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Ann
Keen MP for Brentford & Isleworth
Comments on the Turnham Green Issue.
Statement
on the Piccadilly Line Stopping at Turnham
Green Tube
I
think it is important to comment on the
following.
I
have taken into account the representations
from individuals and letters on the campaign
to have the Piccadilly Line stop at Turnham
Green. I have met with senior officers
from London Underground on my request
on two occasions and spoken to them extensively
on this issue.
There
were a number of key points that must
be highlighted:
As
we all know the recent engineering works
on the District Line between Earls Court
and the High Street Kensington has been
disruptive but it is very necessary to
ensure the future safe running of the
railway. The work must take place as London
Underground has an obligation above all
else to maintain safety standards.
The
reasoning behind London Transport's decision
is in fact very straightforward. The implications
for trains to be able to stop in the short
term without reducing peak and off peak
services on the Piccadilly Line, is very
serious. For other users of the Piccadilly
Line the overcrowding is already a big
issue and their journeys would become
more difficult and uncomfortable as it
is already operating at full capacity.
More importantly it would also create
safety problems at key stations such as
Kings Cross and Holborn, causing enormous
congestion overload.
At
a time when investment is needed across
the network the funds required to implement
this change in both signalling and trains
would be in excess of an upgrade of the
line which has been planned for 2010-
2015. This huge expense would significantly
take away from overall investment on the
underground.
I
know people in the area will be disappointed
but I also know that they will understand
that the Piccadilly Line stopping at Turnham
Green cannot happen. I have decided to
present these facts before it becomes
yet another easy bandwagon for political
parties to use. Anyone, who claims anything
different, will be deliberately misleading
my constituents.
Ann
Keen MP
Related
articles:
Veteran
Campaigner Blasts MP and Local Paper
Tim
Mack Argues Current Management won't make
the decision on Turnham Green
Will
a Turnham Green Stop Really Cost £30mn
and take Ten Years?
Is
Turnham Green the Most Dangerous Station
on the Tube?
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