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Warning of tram dangers ahead
TRANSPORT chiefs will meet tonight (Thursday) to discuss the future of the tram scheme that could link Camden with south London amid protests over the safety of the plan and a claim from a senior council official that it may not be worthwhile at all.
The core politicians who make decisions on transport issues, the Executive (Environment) sub group, will consider a report by the Town Hall’s transport experts which recommends that the council press on with its support for the Cross River Tram proposal, first agreed in 1995.
Under the plans, a tram route will link Camden town to Waterloo and Brixton, running through Euston, Russell Square and Holborn, with construction starting in 2012 and completion in 2016.
Yesterday, however, Cllr Mike Green, who sits on the Executive as Environment chief, said: “Overall, we approve of the plan to have a tram because it will bring undeniable benefits for London, and it would be parochial to oppose it.
“But the benefits are far greater for the rest of London, and it’s difficult to see that there are benefits for Camden that outweigh the disadvantages.
“We have concerns about the Somers Town route, and we have great concerns about the traffic displacement in certain parts of the route.”
The council report, compiled by Cllr Green’s environment department, endorsed most of the claims made by the Cross River Partnership that the scheme will boost regeneration, relieve overcrowding on the Tube, and augment links from the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in King’s Cross, but it acknowledges concerns over the proposed route through Somers Town.
Councillor Roger Robinson has pledged to lie down in front of any tram trying to pass through Brill Place.
He said on Tuesday: “I’ll be there on Thursday to make sure the
committee know how people in Somers Town feel.”
Although official consultation on the choice of routes of the tram ended on January 30, the council believes TfL will still consider their input.
Meetings will be held today (Thur 10.30am-2pm) and tomorrow (6pm-8pm) at Somers Town Community Centre in Ossulton Street for residents to discuss the route. |
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