Hughes demands Transport for London fix Rotherhithe Go Slow

12.00.00am GMT Wed 21st Jan 2009

Simon Hughes MP is asking for urgent public transport improvements in Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks. The combination of a closed East London line, weekend Jubilee Line closures, major local road works and the failure to provide enough regular local bus services means that many who live in SE16 are finding public transport infuriating at the moment.

Simon Hughes MP said: "The combination of underground closures and the failure to put on enough extra buses, as well as road works, mean that many people living and working in Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks are now struggling to make basic journeys. It is often impossible to get on the 47, 381 and C10 buses as there are not enough buses operating on these routes. This is clearly not the service which passengers need and deserve. The number of these services must be increased urgently, especially in light of the closures to other services in the area.

"Whilst no-one opposes an upgrade to the Jubilee Line signalling system, there clearly has been no proper joined-up thinking or forward planning by TfL. People who live and work in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe depend on the Jubilee Line and need it working as soon as possible.

"Some people who live in SE16 have told me that they are now thinking of buying a car because public transport is so bad for them. I am really keen to work together with TfL and the community to make sure we have better public transport for Rotherhithe and Surrey Docks, both now and in the future. "