'Crossrail's still on track' - Caroline Pidgeon AM

3.15.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Sep 2008

Caroline Pidgeon AM, the transport spokesperson for the Liberal Democrat group at the London Assembly, has welcomed the Mayor's continued commitment to the Crossrail scheme and its funding.

"It's good to see the Mayor's still committed to this project and is fully planning to raise the necessary funds as had been stated.

"There'd been mutterings the funding could be in jeopardy but the Mayor's re-affirmed the funding plans are still in place and it's all on schedule too."

In written responses to questions posed by Caroline at this month's Mayor's Question Time Mayor Johnson confirmed funding is secure for Crossrail.

Of his intention to use the supplementary business rate the Mayor said: "This is part of Crossrail's funding package which was announced by the Prime Minister on 5 October 2007, was confirmed in the subsequent Comprehensive Spending Review and laid out in the Heads of Terms, published on 26 November 2007."

He continued: "Crossrail…is vital to the success of London's economy."

Caroline says: "I'm delighted to see the Mayor is still committed to raising the funds and I'll be watching very closely to ensure he keeps to his word."