Transport for London (TfL) has underspent its cycling budget in both 2012/13 and 2013/14.
It has forecast to spend £82 million on measures to improve junctions and cycling infrastructure in the current financial year, despite initially allocating £107 million. As of October 2014, just £29 million had been spent.
At a meeting of the full Assembly today, Members agreed a unanimous motion to ask the Mayor to publish the latest predictions for investment in cycling that will be undertaken by the end of the financial year 2014/15.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion said:
“Today the London Assembly has sent a united and strong message that it is unacceptable for Transport for London (TfL) to repeatedly not spend its allocated budget on cycling. As Sir Peter Hendy has himself admitted, the failure by TfL, year after year, to not spend its allocated budget on cycling is an embarrassment.
When there are so many unsafe junctions across London that need improving and such a desperate need for investment in safe cycling infrastructure in all London Boroughs, the time for excuses from TfL has long passed.”
Darren Johnson AM, who seconded the motion said:
“The Mayor has set out some bold plans to make London’s roads far safer and more pleasant for cycling, after years of pressure from campaigners and Assembly Members. He needs to finally get a grip on TfL’s underspends to deliver the cycling vision that we really need for the capital.”
The full text of the motion is here.
Notes to editors:
The motion was agreed unanimously at a meeting of the full Assembly today.
Recent Mayoral answer to a question asked in November 2014
Watch the full webcast.
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, who proposed the motion is available for interviews. Please see contact details below.
As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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