Transport Vision - Jump On Board
The London Borough of Bexley is calling on local residents and businesses
to "Jump on Board" and back its online campaign to improve transport
choice throughout the borough.
The Council believes improved public transport is critical for the regeneration
of the north of the borough as well as to encourage a reduction in the number
of cars on the roads and secure a better environment for all.
Bexley has lost out on major transport links in recent years. Several new
public transport services stop short of its boundaries.
The Council's campaign aims are :
- A high speed travel link connecting the planned Greenwich Waterfront Transit
with North Kent's Fastrack
- Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extended to Thamesmead
- Crossrail not just built, but built to Ebbsfleet
It is also pushing for 12 carriage trains to operate on existing train lines
and for the Oyster Card to be accepted for travel on trains in the capital.
Leader of the Council, Cllr
Ian Clement, has written to the three main mayoral
candidates for London this week, asking them to declare their support for the
campaign and to do their utmost to achieve the improvements, if elected.
Cllr Clement said: "I hope that residents and businesses of Bexley will
show their support for better transport options in the borough and support
our bid to improve the quality of lives for those living, working and investing
here.
We are keen to safeguard the Borough's environment and are making efforts
to promote the use of environmentally-friendly transport modes. But we cannot
expect people to use their cars less, without providing good alternatives.
Neither can we expect new businesses to be attracted to our area when the transport
infrastructure is not there to support them."
Cllr Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Transport added: "Bexley simply
does not have enough transport options. No part of the Borough is connected
with London Underground network. We are fed up with our second rate public
transport service and now is the time to stand up and be heard. We need a first
class transport system in place for the people of Bexley to be encouraged out
of their cars and to ensure the people of Bexley gain the maximum benefit from
the Thames Gateway regeneration."
More information about the campaign is available on the Council's website
at www.bexley.gov.uk/jumponboard. This site includes a form on which people
can indicate their support for the campaign and give their views on the issues
it raises.
All 63 of Bexley's councillors backed a motion last July setting out the strategic
public transport improvements that make up Bexley's Vision for Transport.
