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| News...February 2007...News...February 2007...News...February 2007...News This Page was last updated Sunday 25 February 2007 |
| All the news carried on these pages is done so in good faith and the source is always quoted, normally with hyperlinks. If you have a correction to give us on a news story or have any additional news that can be added do not hestiate to email us . We are grateful for those people who have given us permission to use their images and news on this page. |
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For all previous news pages click here to go to the new News Index page which provides links to news dating back to September 2002. Photos on this page: A view of the roof of replica Llandudno & Colwyn Bay 7 (added 11 February 2007) Trackwork underway at Beamish (added 18 February 2007) Beamish/Oporto 196 with its adverts in warmer weather (added 18 February 2007) |
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News In Brief Cross River Tram: : The Cross River Tram project has received fresh backing this week from the London Liberal Democrats Regional Conference. At the Conference members, including local MPs Simon Hughes (Bermondsey and North Southwark) and Alistair Carmichael (shadow transport secretary). They voted to extend the route to Streatham and also to link the system with Croydon Tramlink. (25/2/07 - icSouthLondon) Manchester: A man was taken to hospital after h was hit by a tram which derailed in Manchester city centre. The man suffered a blow to the head and became trapped under the Metrolink tram after the incident in Piccadilly Gardens. The tram was moved back to depot and inquiries are now ongoing into the cause of the accident. (25/2/07 - BBC News Online) Manchester: The new pedestrian bridge over Piccadilly is now open for use, giving a new photo opportunity for aerial views of trams. GMPTE have now moved into one of the new office blocks at 2 Piccadilly Place. (25/2/07 - Gordon Ferguson) ------------------------------------------------- Beamish: The annual Beamish Tram Challenge will take place this year on 24 June. The idea of the Challenge is for runners to compete against one of the Museum’s trams around the track. There are two events, a 10km all terrain race which goes through surrounding woods and finishes in the grounds of Beamish Hall Hotel and a 2.5km fun run which just goes round the tram track. A limit of 250 entrants has been set for both races and more details can be found from Anne Burton on 0191 3704021 or by emailing anneburton@beamish.org.uk. (18/2/07 - icNewcastle) Birkenhead: The restoration of Warrington 2 continues with the first new sole bar being fitted on Thursday 8 February. Photos of this latest development can be found by following the link to the right. (18/2/07 - MTPS) Blackpool: The daily feature on the Blackpool Today website on Tuesday 13 February was on the track upgrade from Manchester Square to South Pier. The article doesn’t really feature any new information but does have an interview with the Principal Engineer and reveals that work is likely to be completed on time. To read the article follow the link to the right. (18/2/07 - Blackpool Today) Blackpool (LTT): The underframe of Standard 143 has left for Bowers of Derby having been split from the rest of the tram. This needs some new metal to be inserted to replace some wasted section. Once Bowers have done this work the lower deck will be refitted and the body frame repairs completed. A photo of the underframe of the back of the lorry leaving Blackpool can be found here.(18/2/07 - Paul Turner from Yahoo! Groups: Blackpool_Transport) DLR: Engineering work has affected services all this weekend (17/18 February) between Bank/Tower Gateway and Canary Wharf. Trains have only been operating Stratford-Lewisham, King George V-Canary Wharf/Lewisham and Beckton-Canning Town. Buses have been in use from Bank and Tower Gateway to Canary Wharf. (18/2/07 - DLR) Manchester: 1007 was involved in a minor RTA on Monday 12 February morning. There were no injuries reported but an article appeared in the Manchester Evening News with a picture taken by a reader accompanying it. (18/2/07 - Gordon Ferguson) Manchester: 1018 and 1021 have now lost the window adverts for Starlight Express but still retain their names. Meanwhile, 2001 has been spotted again at the depot having not been noticed in service since November while 1024 is another one “missing in action”, not having been seen anywhere since October. (18/2/07 - Gordon Ferguson) West London Tram: More on the WLT has appeared from the Hillingdon Times this week, with London Assembly member Richard Barnes telling Ken Livingstone to “bite the bullet” and scrap the plan. The article mainly goes through the same old no one wants the WLT just go away scheme of things and if you want to read it follow the link to the right. (18/2/07 - Hillingdon Times) ------------------------------------------------- Birmingham: The trouble with a tram at Snow Hill on 29 January reported in this column last week has been confirmed as the derailment of tram number 06. The tram had been signalled into Platform 4 at the terminus at 1425 when its central bogie derailed, with the tram coming to a rapid halt and little damage was caused. No injuries were reported with the passengers walked through to the platform whilst all trams were terminated at Jewellery Quarter for the remainder of the day. The RAIB are now conducting an investigation into the incident and their preliminary examination indicates there were no issues with how the tram was driven or the signalling. (11/2/07 - RAIB) Birmingham: It goes from bad to worse for Midland Metro with more disruption caused to services on Thursday (8 February) from Priestfield to Wolverhampton to St Georges. A points problem was the cause this time which saw trams terminating from Birmingham Snow Hill at Priestfield with passengers advised to change the number 79 bus here for onward travel. (11/2/07 - Midland Metro) Birmingham: Despite the disruption reported above the tram system managed, on the whole, to operate fine during the heavy snow experienced in the West Midlands. A tram was used to run up and down the line overnight to keep the lines clear. (11/2/07 - icBirmingham) Blackpool: Confirmation that the RAIB are investigating the fire on the Trampower Tram has appeared on their website. Unlike the Midland Metro derailment above there has been no preliminary results revealed. (11/2/07 - RAIB) Isle of Man: Plans are being developed for the Manx Electric Railway’s tramcars to be adapted to be able to hold bikes. The Department of Tourism and Leisure wants cyclists to be able to enjoy a mainly downward ride on the island’s hilly roads. Adrian Earnshaw, tourism and leisure minister, said it would enable the tram service to expand. It could start as early as May. (11/2/07 - BBC News Online) Llandudno: The trolley pole stanchion has now been fixed into place on the replica L&CBER 7. More importantly a suitable road trailer has been acquired and the saloon body will very shortly be mounted on it. The upper deck railings will then be added along with new driver’s vestibule ends and staircases which are currently under construction. The tram’s first outing will be in Llandudno over the May Day weekend (as previously reported) but it will now be in Mostyn Street at the Victorian Extravaganza on Saturday 5 and Monday 7 and the Transport Festival field on Sunday 6. (11/2/07 - John Bird, Webmaster of L&CBTS) ------------------------------------------------- Birmingham: Midland Metro services were disrupted on Monday (29 January) because of a problem with a tram at Birmingham Snow Hill. This meant that trams were not running from St Paul’s to Snow Hill with passengers advised to transfer to the number 79 bus for onward travel. (4/2/07 - Midland Metro) Manchester: Briefly mentioned a couple of weeks ago in our storm story a tram derailed at Pomona station on the Eccles branch on 17 January at 1715. It is now revealed that the RAIB have launched an investigation into the incident which saw the leading axle leave the tracks whilst travelling at 10mph, with the tram coming to a stop in the station. Nobody was injured and everyone was able to leave the tram at the station. (4/2/07 - RAIB) Manchester: Trams were halted between Old Trafford and Cornbrook on Thursday (1 February) following the discovery of a crack in the track at Trafford Bar during a routine inspection. Metrolink say that passengers were in danger but nevertheless trams were suspended whilst repairs were undertaken and buses were used between Old Trafford and Piccadilly Gardens. Trams still ran between Altrincham and Old Trafford with Eccles line services not being affected. (4/2/07 - Manchester Evening News) Manchester: Congestion charging has moved closer to being introduced in the city after transport bosses at the GMPTA approved the move to draw up detailed plans. Part of the monies raised from this charge will go towards Metrolink extensions. (4/2/07 - Manchester Evening News) ------------------------------------------------- |
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STEPHEN PARASCANDOLO Stephen Parascandolo, who ran the Unofficial Croydon Tramlink website, was tragically killed in a car accident early in the morning of Wednesday 7 February in Hitchin. Although I never met Stephen, who was only 26, in person he regularly provided information to this site, normally without having to be asked. In fact I only received an email from him last Sunday adding some information to a story I had run on last weeks update and in that message he said that TCL and TfL were “both acting like a pair of school kids in public.” His enthusiasm and belief in the Croydon Tramlink system, and trams in general, was obvious to all and his campaign to get the Centrale stop open was surely a key achievement in his tragically short life. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew, either personally or through his online activities, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. |
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NOTTS COUNTY COUNCIL VOTE YES FOR NET PHASE TWO Sunday 25 February 2007 Nottinghamshire County Council have voted in favour of applying for the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) by 37 votes to 22 in a meeting held at County Hall in West Bridgford this week. County Council leader Cllr David Kirkham said: “It will provide those people in the areas that it serves with access to the city centre, to the hospital, to major employment sites and provide them with faster, clean, reliable transport in those areas." Conservative Councillor Martin Brandon-Bravo, speaking against the proposal, commented: “We're talking about spending £700m for three tram lines. Having started with this I think there are council officers, and some members, who just find it hard to press the 'stop' button." The meeting was greeted with a protest outside County Hall with 100 protestors who are against the alignment of the route. They claim that more than 400 homes will have to be demolished under compulsory purchase orders and would increase disruption. One of the protestors said: “I don't want a tram coming through my house, I bought my flat to live there in peace and quiet." The City Council are due to meet next month to decide whether they will apply for the TWAO.
TCL claim they have a non-binding side-letter from TfL which was received at the same time as the original contract – this stated that they would be compensated for journeys made by passengers using discounted tickets.
Roger Harding, General Manager of TCL, said the Judge has indicated TfL would be acting unreasonably if it completed ignored the letter. He added: “Our next stage is to sit down with TfL and, we hope, negotiate in good faith."
The park would only be used as one of the three route options currently being examined with the other two going past the railway station, up Ledrington Road, over the National Sports Centre access road and through the park behind the museum.
John Payne, of the Crystal Palace Community Association, commented: “This would set a precedent for other parks in South London. As Crystal Palace would be at the end of the line, there would be sidings too."
In response to the concerns a TfL spokesman said: “The tram will help the existing planned regeneration of Crystal Palace. No formal decision has been made on our preferred route."
The assaults took place on 13 October last year and one girl was thrown on the tracks. Luckily she managed to crawl off the track to safety just moments before a tram passed through the station.
The second incident occurred on the platform when the second girl was assaulted. Both incidents were caught on mobile phone video and shows around 15 hooded youngsters intimidating passengers leaving the Metrolink station
The 15 year old girl was given a 10 month referral order and ordered to pay £150 compensation and £250 court costs.
* It is believed that single deckers will form the base service for the majority of the 2007 summer/illumination season, except the busier times such as Saturday’s, school holidays and possibly busy Market Tuesday’s. The Cleveleys service looks like only going as far as Pleasure Beach this year but on Saturday’s an enhanced service is likely to operate with a 15 minute frequency on the Fleetwood-Starr Gate route with trams every 7-8 minutes from Cleveleys to Pleasure Beach.
* Trampower Tram 611 has left the resort for repairs to its fire damage. It has gone to North West Bus & Coach Repairers in Blackburn.
* Most of the track has now been fastened in on the worksite from Manchester Square to South Pier and the insulating blocks are being fitted. Some also now has the top surfacing in place, a grey bitumen like surface. Meanwhile, the southbound line from Thornton Gate to Beach Road has reopened and attention has now turned to the northbound track in the same place.
Ms MacDonald has tabled a question, asking whether the Executive’s commitments on the Capital’s transport infrastructure can be relied on by the City Council or whether a new administration can come in and alter them after the forthcoming elections.
She said: “The new parliament will take time to settle down. There is going to be quite a churn in the membership, to say nothing of the possibility of a change in the composition of the Executive. During that time, Edinburgh needs to carry on with its programme of renewal and expansion, such as the trams, in conjunction with the Waterfront. Edinburgh can't afford for there to be wrangling over the money."
* Further communities the city have been given the opportunity to view and comment on the preliminary design of the proposed tram system. An event took place in Leith last week and will be on in West Edinburgh on Wednesday (28 February).
Willie Gallagher, chairman of tie, said: “These community events are an essential part of the design process and allow the local communities to continue shaping and making a valuable input to the tram project. Visitors can view the next stage of the design plans and our experts are on hand to answer any questions.”
There are no suggestions that either Council will suddenly turn against the plans which would see NET reach Clifton, Beeston and Chilwell.
Once they both give the go-ahead to progress with the TWAO letters will be sent out to residents and businesses likely to be affected by the construction. These will invite people to comment on the scheme although not everyone who receives a letter will be directly affected as a wider area than will be finally necessary is originally defined.
Pat Armstrong, head of major projects at the City Council, said: “In some cases the land required from a property will be a tiny sliver, others we may not need at all, and others we will have to buy them out and demolish their homes. The comments are sent to the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State decides whether or not to have a public inquiry."
If, as is almost 100 per cent certain, people object to the scheme a Public Inquiry will take place where any objectors will make their point before a final decision is made by the independent Inspector as to whether the tram can go ahead. This would likely take place in winter 2007 after the six week consultation period is up.
Chris Deas, Nottingham Express Transit development manager, commented: “The consultation process has already informed the scheme. During the six- week comment period there will be dialogue with the aim of developing the scheme proposals further to try to ensure we deal with all the issues raised."
A full timetable of the process that will now be followed has been released by the development team. This is available here.
Cllr Julian Heather commented: “Streatham vitally needs improved transport links and the extension of the Cross River Tram route to Streatham is an opportunity which must not be missed. We warmly welcome the Cross River Tram project but feel it should be extended up Brixton Hill to Streatham with a vision of connecting it through to the Croydon Tramlink."
The depot site of the tramway continues to cause debate and anger in the area with the proposed site in Peckham being described as totally unsuitable. Geoff Pope, Lib Dem chairman of the London Assembly’s transport committee, said: “There has been more opposition to this part of the proposal than any other aspect of the Cross River Tram."
This had led TfL to suggest an old tram depot on Brixton Hill, now in use as a bus garage, as a possible location whilst Lib Dems in Lambeth have also suggested the bus garage in Streatham. This would have the added bonus of bringing the tram almost into Streatham.
A report will be delivered by the transport committee to TfL on the depot site and possible Streatham extension in the spring.
It is also claimed that if the concessionary funding is awarded to Edinburgh, and then Glasgow to be fair, it will cause the whole tram scheme to be unaffordable – with the SNP especially keen to make this point. However, the Scottish Executive are saying that if Edinburgh does get the money it doesn’t necessarily mean Glasgow will as well.
An Executive spokesman said: “We're not going to speculate on what's in the business case, but it's a fact that when the trams system is introduced, Lothian and Borders buses will be required to drop a number of their services that run on the same line as the trams. The subway does not restrict the number of bus services in Glasgow, but the trams, because of the route, will mean a loss of choice for passengers in Edinburgh."
A spokesman for the Strathclyde Partnership for Transport said that chairman, Alistair Watson, has written to the Executive about the subject: “At the moment the national concessionary fares scheme covers buses. If they were extending it to any other form of transport, then clearly we would be looking for Glasgow subway to be included in that."
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The tramway track technicians and estates staff at work re-ballasting the newly re-laid tracks between Foulbridge crossing and the first bend out of this area.
Photo: Paul Jarman, Transport Curator, Beamish |
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BEAMISH NEWS ROUND-UP Sunday 18 February 2007 A short length of tramway has been re-laid over the last two months in an effort to remove the oldest stretches of track laid in the early 1970s. Further work is required but the employment of two track technicians has seen marked improvements to the running qualities experienced by passengers on the mile and a half tramway. New rail and hardwood sleepers plus improvements to drainage should ensure this length of line will remain in good order for many years to come. The normally circular service is currently operating as a horse-shoe, with trams turning in the town and the Foulbridge/Depot stops. Gateshead 10 was lifted immediately after the museum’s Christmas events, the trucks being extracted to enable the tyres to be turned. As is the nature with any such work other jobs requiring attention have been identified and a schedule of work is being drawn up for this to progress. Oporto 196 and Sunderland 16 are currently bearing the brunt of the winter season traffic with Blackpool 31 and Newcastle 114 being available to cover programmed maintenance and tram training duties. A successful photo charter was run in October and plans are now developing for repeat events of this nature. The opportunity to utilise the tramcars, road vehicles and town street without the public being present was much appreciated by those who attended.
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A reminder of warmer weather - sporting its new advertisements, Oporto/Beamish 196 is seen at the main entrance loop at Beamish.
Photo: Paul Jarman, Transport Curator, Beamish |
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As reported in the News in Brief, the replica L&CBER 7 has now had its trolley pole stanchion fitted. This shot shows the trolley pole in situ on the roof of the tram.
Photo: John Bird, Webmaster of L&CBTS |
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CROYDON TARGET TRAM FARE DODGERS Sunday 11 February 2007 A four-week campaign by the British Transport Police has targeted fare dodgers on the Croydon Tramlink network. The campaign – code named “Operation Ringside” – was targeted now only against those who do not pay for tickets but also those who assault staff. More than 80,000 passengers were stopped and asked to show a valid ticket with an average of 40 a day found without one - £20 fines were given to these. If this fine is not paid the passengers risk being prosecuted through the courts. In addition 16 people were arrested for a variety of antisocial offences. Sergeant Sam Blackburn, from the BTP, commented: “Some people, when asked to show a valid ticket, will pay the penalty fare. However, there are others who refuse to pay and then escalate matters by assaulting, spitting or threatening members of staff. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and should not be accepted by others. We have had a series of very good arrests for such offences on the tram, including a recent jail sentence for a woman who spat at a tram driver." * The woman recently jailed for spitting as mentioned above is 43 year old Juliette Roberts from Thornton Heath. She flew into a rage and spat at a tram driver after he missed Wandle Park tramstop. Ms Roberts pleaded guilty at the City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court to common assault and was sentenced to six weeks in prison. BTP Constable Steve Maguire said: “This conviction should send a strong message that we will not tolerate assaults against members of rail staff. We will use all measures, including forensic investigations, to catch people who think it's appropriate to assault staff. BTP has armed staff with spit kits and actively encourages use of them to ensure that this sort of crime can be solved and the perpetrator brought to justice."
He said: “It would increase congestion on the Uxbridge Road and have an impact on shops. We believe decisions are best taken by local people. Local people know the area and traffic problems better than anyone else. It is a decision for the local council."
Richard Barnes, the London Assembly Conservative member for Ealing and Hillingdon, added: “His [Mayor Ken Livingstone] heavy-handed decision makes a mockery of local democracy. The local electorate made their feelings toward this ill-advised scheme crystal clear at the ballot box, yet to no avail - their pleas have been steamrollered as surely as the Uxbridge Road and its businesses will now be. There is a vein of autocracy that runs right to the core of this mayoralty; a stubbornness to listen to popular opinion especially when it concerns his pet projects'."
Tram experts from Centro-PTA are giving talks and educational activity packs at these primary schools – aged seven to eleven. The packs include information on how trams work, how to use trams safely, and why they are so important in providing a green, reliable and sustainable mode of transport. They also include information on the Phase One extensions through Birmingham City Centre to Five Ways and to Brierley Hill from Wednesbury.
Cllr Roger Horton, lead member for Metro for Centro-PTA, said: “These school children are the commuters of tomorrow and will be leaving school just as the new extensions are completed. It is vital that we teach them now about the importance of using green modes of public transport like the Midland Metro instead of relying on cars, so we can work towards reducing congestion in the long term as well as the short term.”
The packs also include a number of fun, interactive activities including a board game, puzzles, colouring in and a tram model which the children can make, which should teach the children more about the Midland Metro.
* The pressure has been growing on the Scottish Executive to guarantee pensioners and the disabled to get free travel on the tram system. This comes as it has emerged that the plans for the tram is based on one in five passengers travelling for free under a similar scheme. This would mean a subsidy would be received from the Executive for all these trips and tie said they have made this clear to Minister’s.
Willie Gallagher, chairman of tie, said: “We have pointed out to the Executive that is our assumption and they are happy with that assumption. There is a lot of discussion and negotiation under way just now. Ministers are due to approve the business plan in the next couple of weeks and hopefully they will deliver."
SNP Transport Spokesman Fergus Ewing commented: “The business case assumes they are going to get all these pensioners, but the Executive is worried that if they give concessions to trams, Strathclyde Passenger Transport will argue it should be extended to Glasgow underground too. I understand the budget for the concessionary travel scheme is quite tight. So on the one hand the Executive can't afford to extend it because it opens the door, but on the other it can't afford not to because the business case for trams implodes if they don't get that revenue."
Willie Gallagher, chairman of tie, commented: “They [the Edinburgh public] will want to see a reason for all this hassle. We are looking for options for phased implementation. If there is an option that gets the system up and running, and does not prejudice what we are doing, that is something we would obviously look at."
Graham Bell, a spokesman from the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, was pleased with the news, commenting: “Any early pay-off would be gratefully received by businesses. There is concern among some people that there will be non-stop disruption until 2010, so this would be reassurance that it is not the case."
The disruption to the city centre is likely to come in two phases with the diversion of utility pipes and cables for water, gas, electricity and telecommunications likely to start soon and take place for 18 months. The second phase will concentrate on the actual construction of the tramway and this could start as early as December this year. Of course this program is all dependent on approval from the Scottish Parliament, after which road closures will be revealed as will full details on the construction.
Phil Wheeler, transport spokesman for the Lib Dems on the City Council, said: “The sooner we get something tangible for the Edinburgh public the better. There have been so many false starts with transport projects in the city, if we can prove we can deliver something early, that must be progress."
The Bury line will have three major periods of closure: Meanwhile, the Altrincham line will just see one major period of closure from early July until the end of August between Altrincham and Cornbrook.
During the works (which will be undertaken by Carillion) replacement buses will be in operation on the affected sections and trams will run to Eccles (from Piccadilly Station as on normal service) and also in the city centre (presumably including as far as Victoria Station). Looking on the bright side of this disruption there shouldn’t be any tram availability problems!
It has also been revealed that the replacement buses should not be affected by roadworks as there has been a ban on any work taking place for the duration of the work from Bury to Manchester. In addition the buses will attempt to replicate tram timings as much as possible. Fares are also to be lowered during the period of closure in an attempt to compensate passengers for the disruption.
The majority of passengers who travel on Croydon Tramlink use pre paid tickets such as Travelcards or Oyster Cards and these work out cheaper than normal single fares. TfL claim they have always made it clear to TCL that they are not entitled to the full cash fare value for each journey made on Tramlink and that they have adopted a “no better, no worse” approach (basically meaning TCL would be no worse off from the new tickets, but also no better off). The court case came after TfL and TCL could not reach agreement on compensation payments after nearly two years of negotiations.
Phil Hewitt, the head of London Trams at TfL, was obviously overjoyed at the result: “The court's ruling on this case is a complete vindication of Transport for London's policy for compensation on a 'no better, no worse' basis. Tramtrack Croydon Ltd's claim for compensation on a cash fare basis would have constituted a windfall for the company, and we do not believe the public purse should subsidise a private company in this way. The Judge's ruling has ringingly endorsed our approach. We hope that Tramtrack Croydon Ltd will think twice before launching any further misguided actions against Transport for London.”
Mr Hewitt went on to echo Ken Livingstone’s recent comments about the operation of the Tramlink network: “The Mayor has recently voiced serious concerns about Tramtrack Croydon Ltd's ability to run a transport system; I sincerely hope that now this issue has been resolved, Tramtrack Croydon Ltd will focus their energies on running the Croydon Tramlink system and providing a safe, reliable service for passengers. We would welcome proposals from the company for their future revenue growth and for their investment in the infrastructure to ensure the network is in a state of good repair and keeps up with growing demand."
Unfortunately as this article has come from a Transport for London press release it is rather one sided and paints TfL as wonderful and TCL as the baddies.
This extension would open in 2016 (if given the go-ahead) and would leave the current DLR network at Gallions Reach with stations at Beckton Riverside, Creekmouth, Barking Riverside and Dagenham Vale before reaching Dagenham Dock. The area is to benefit from a wide ranging housing and business regeneration programme over the next few years.
Richard De Cani, Head of Planning and Development at DLR, commented: “Past DLR extensions have successfully assisted the regeneration of the areas they encompass and we are confident a link to Dagenham Dock would prove just as beneficial. Views from interested parties have previously proved invaluable and as such I would urge people to read and respond to our leaflet. DLR prides itself on its effective consultation and we look forward to working alongside the local community over the next few years."
A further round of consultation is scheduled to take place in the spring to seek views on individual route openings for the line which is yet to receive any funding although it is well supported in organisations like the Mayor of London’s office.
Cllr Wolodymyr Barczuk, spokesman on the Council for trams, said: “I suspect they [TfL] are worried. They have got themselves into a hole and they are carrying on digging. It is very unfortunate. We do not think they have the money they need. Ken Livingstone is pushing ahead with a project he cannot afford."
Council Leaders from all three boroughs that will be affected by the WLT have recently met to state their opposition to the plans, and to find a way to stop TfL and the Mayor of London’s Office from going ahead with the scheme.
Cllr Barczuk added: “What people want from us is an agreement that the three councils are working together. Council officers are working on pulling together views and arguments to oppose the tram and there will be something more formal to put out as a report soon."
Recently a new consultation document has been sent to residents outlining proposed changes to the position of electrical substations and construction compounds as well as modifications to traffic junctions on the Uxbridge Road.
However, leader of Ealing Council, Cllr Jason Stacey, was not impressed by the changes: “TfL clearly does not want to listen to the results of its own recent survey, which showed people along the route don't want a tram and think it's a complete waste of public money. So let's make sure we get our message over loud and clear that we are just not interested in having our borough ripped up for a scheme which could grind traffic in west London to a halt."
The lack of guarantee has led to dismay and anger from campaign groups in the Scottish capital who want to know why trams would be any different to buses – especially considering trams will replace buses on many routes. John Wilson, the President of the Scottish Pensions Association, said: “I can't understand why they won't say trams will be included - they are still a form of public transport. For disabled people, it will be very easy for them to travel by tram because there is more room, so if the concessionary travel scheme didn't apply there would be considerable dissent."
It is believed that members of the Executive are considered about the costs of the scheme – which would probably add considerably to the overall costs. If they were to allow tram passengers free travel if they fitted the criteria they believe they would have to do the same on the Glasgow Subway, of course adding even more money to the scheme.
The Transport Minister, Tavish Scott, said: “No decision has been made on whether the free bus travel scheme for older and disabled people should be extended to cover travel on any future Edinburgh tram network. The current scheme will be reviewed after its first few years of operation, and Scottish ministers may make regulatory changes to it then."
The leader of Edinburgh City Council, Cllr Ewan Aitken, added: “The concessionary travel scheme will be reviewed before trams come into operation. I am confident that it will be a key component of the integrated tram and bus ticketing system which will provide a truly accessible form of modern public transport."
Miss Beardow said: “I couldn't find it at first so I asked the inspector to give me a couple more seconds while I looked for the right ticket. He said the tram had to leave straight away and I would have to get off. The tram pulled away as I found the ticket and I was left on the platform by myself. I felt really vulnerable being there on my own in the dark. I can't believe that the inspectors acted like this. Lots of people dodge fares and I understand why they have to check tickets, but I only wanted a few seconds to find it. I didn't want special treatment because I was pregnant - I think anyone who can get on a tram and produce about 20 tickets should be treated sympathetically."
A spokesman from Metrolink responded: “When we are on a six-minute service, if anyone is taking a long time to find their ticket there are occasions when people are asked to get off the tram to find it. We obviously apologise for doing that, but if we start holding up the trams for a period of time, then it causes delays around the service. It is unfortunate and we are sympathetic to Miss Beardow's response. She was certainly in a safe and secure environment. Radcliffe station can be a little foreboding because of the size of it, but there were 12 inspectors and three police officers there at the same time."
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