Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2007 13:43:01 GMT
From www.transportbriefing.co.uk/story.php?id=3741
Cross River Tram needs route rethink and air-con
Filed 05/02/07
The London Assembly Transport Committee has given its support to the development of the Cross River Tram project but has criticised some parts of the planned route.
In its submission to a Transport for London consultation on the proposals, the committee praised the regenerative and congestion-relieving benefits the tram scheme would bring but members said a number of critical issues still needed to be resolved.
Alignments through the Somers Town estate and Burgess Park were deemed inappropriate with the roads in the vicinity said to be too narrow. Members also called for the route to be fully linked up with the proposed tram line along Oxford Street, and for flexibility to extend the routes to Arsenal, Streatham and New Cross in the future.
In addition, the committee’s submission said a suitable location for depots at each end of the route must be found and the trams should be air-conditioned.
Assembly member Geoff Pope, chair of the Assembly’s Transport Committee, said: "TfL and the boroughs have made a good start in the early stages of their planning, but the devil will be in the detail of ensuring that a whole series of local needs are achieved."
The committee backed proposals to route the Brixton arm of CRT via Baylis Road and Kennington Road rather than Elephant and Castle.
TfL launched its latest round of consultation on the Camden Town to Brixton and Peckham tram link at the end of last year.
One of the questions asked related to the route of the Brixton arm. Option 1 would see the Brixton and Peckham branches dividing at the Elephant and Castle. Option 2 would place the tram junction outside the Old Vic theatre, with Brixton-bound trams running down Baylis Road to Kennington Road and Peckham trams continuing down Waterloo Road towards the Elephant.
Pope told the meeting: "Option 2 is preferable on balance from the evidence we have today."
In his official letter to TfL on behalf of the committee, he wrote: "The committee supports Option 2 on this route, which runs down the Kennington Road and past the Imperial War Museum. This would increase tourist and visitor numbers, boosting the local economy. This route would also serve St Thomas' Hospital, providing easier access for patients and visitors."
The committee's response was agreed by a majority but Conservative Members did not support the submission.
Cross River Tram needs route rethink and air-con
Filed 05/02/07
The London Assembly Transport Committee has given its support to the development of the Cross River Tram project but has criticised some parts of the planned route.
In its submission to a Transport for London consultation on the proposals, the committee praised the regenerative and congestion-relieving benefits the tram scheme would bring but members said a number of critical issues still needed to be resolved.
Alignments through the Somers Town estate and Burgess Park were deemed inappropriate with the roads in the vicinity said to be too narrow. Members also called for the route to be fully linked up with the proposed tram line along Oxford Street, and for flexibility to extend the routes to Arsenal, Streatham and New Cross in the future.
In addition, the committee’s submission said a suitable location for depots at each end of the route must be found and the trams should be air-conditioned.
Assembly member Geoff Pope, chair of the Assembly’s Transport Committee, said: "TfL and the boroughs have made a good start in the early stages of their planning, but the devil will be in the detail of ensuring that a whole series of local needs are achieved."
The committee backed proposals to route the Brixton arm of CRT via Baylis Road and Kennington Road rather than Elephant and Castle.
TfL launched its latest round of consultation on the Camden Town to Brixton and Peckham tram link at the end of last year.
One of the questions asked related to the route of the Brixton arm. Option 1 would see the Brixton and Peckham branches dividing at the Elephant and Castle. Option 2 would place the tram junction outside the Old Vic theatre, with Brixton-bound trams running down Baylis Road to Kennington Road and Peckham trams continuing down Waterloo Road towards the Elephant.
Pope told the meeting: "Option 2 is preferable on balance from the evidence we have today."
In his official letter to TfL on behalf of the committee, he wrote: "The committee supports Option 2 on this route, which runs down the Kennington Road and past the Imperial War Museum. This would increase tourist and visitor numbers, boosting the local economy. This route would also serve St Thomas' Hospital, providing easier access for patients and visitors."
The committee's response was agreed by a majority but Conservative Members did not support the submission.
