Tram plan off track

4.22.00pm GMT Wed 5th Jan 2005

Typical congestion on Pitshanger Lane

Liberal Democrats will continue to oppose the West London tram, even though in the Mayor's latest plan it has been put on the back burner.

Many local people weren't consulted. The Lib Dems say the fight to change the scheme must go on.

The Lib Dems want a better public transport system — but we believe that Transport for London's scheme to scrap the 207 and 607 buses is just BAD.

The Uxbridge Road is too narrow for a light railway. TfL has ignored local concerns and suggestions; the plan remains to force the tram along the Ealing section, reducing its capacity by 45%. TfL admits this will divert traffic onto side roads, particularly already congested east-west routes such as Pitshanger Lane.

'This is a crazy waste of over half a billion pounds,' said Lib Dem spokesman Francesco Fruzza. 'Quite apart from the traffic chaos, just think how this money could be better spent.'

The Lib Dems will press for an off-road system, with links to Ealing Hospital and Crossrail at Ealing Broadway station, and with less impact on the environment.