Responding to the launch of Boris Johnson’s transport manifesto in Camden Labour’s Barnet & Camden GLA candidate, Nicky Gavron, said: “I think it’s deeply ironic that Boris Johnson chose to launch his transport manifesto in St. Pancras – the site of some of Labour’s biggest transport achievements in London. Thanks to investment from the Labour government and Mayor Ken, Camden residents and those who work in the area now benefit from a brand new Thameslink station and a new state-of-the-art ticket hall at St. Pancras. This represents total investment from Labour of over £800m. And there has been investment across Camden: improvements at West Hampstead Station, a London Overground network with more frequent services and more bus routes with free travel for pensioners and students. The south part of Camden High Street is set to be improved, as are Chalk Farm Road and Kentish Town Road – all vital parts of our community.
 
“The Tories claim to be the party of the environment, but they haven't got a clue. They have opposed the investment in London's public transport and Boris is proposing to scrap Ken’s environmentally friendly £25 congestion charge for gas-guzzling vehicles. Boris says he wants more air conditioning on the tube, but this is something that Ken is already introducing. And Boris’s ridiculous battle of the bendy buses would cost him - and Londoners - £108m to replace. It’s clear that his proposals are chaotic and uncosted.

“On 1st May only Labour or the Tories can win in Camden and in London. Camden
residents have a clear choice: They can either vote for Ken’s integrated transport system or Boris’s expensive transport mess. They also have a clear choice in the Assembly elections: As Deputy Mayor for most of the last eight years I have worked closely with Ken on improving London's transport and environment. Brian Coleman has spent his eight years on the GLA attacking each and every one of Ken’s initiatives to improve our transport system. Conservatives in London have always sided with those who never use public transport against those who do more often than not. Camden deserves better.”

ENDS

For comment contact Nicky Gavron's Campaign Office on 020 7788 4224.