Friday 23 October 2009

Two major transport issues have hit the headlines in the last few days….

The Mayor of London's feasibility study into a Thames Estuary airport was launched. The report says that the airport is "technically" possible (however, that doesn't mean it's the right or sensible thing to do).

But Boris also told the London Assembly's transport committee this week that he did not have an aspiration to construct it and that it was not included in his transport strategy.

Boris knows the strength of feeling of people in Kent, Medway and Essex against the airport. And he knows from the conversations I have had with him that I think the idea of moving the entire infrastructure of Heathrow to the Thames Estuary is barking mad.

The other burning transport issue is the government's plans to sell off the Dartford crossing and High Speed 1.

I doubt very much that this is the right time to sell off the 'family silver', what with current depressed prices, if there is ever a right time.

And the idea that UK public infrastructure should be controlled by overseas companies isn't a good thing, we have already sold off our utilities, in my view we should be learning from the French and controlling our own assets.

I'd also like to know how it would affect progress of a much needed Third Thames Crossing, it could preclude it completely which would be far from helpful.

Tell Paul your views