The GLA Transport Committee’s meeting about the West London Tram commences and I welcome the groups – some from Southall, Acton, Ealing, Shepherds Bush as well as some general contributors from organisations like GLAD, Transport for All and the London Civic Forum.

Have to say it was one of the most fascinating meetings I have chaired. The groups were there to inform the members of the committee of their concerns so that when we sit in formal committee on 16th September, we will be able to question Transport for London who are coming before us and put to them all the key issues raised.

I gave each speaker five minutes and then the committee asked that person questions. The really key issue is fears from residents about traffic displacement if a new tram gets the go ahead.

In the case of the original Central London congestion charge – Transport for London’s traffic forecasts only showed a very small percentage increase in traffic in the areas surrounding the charging zone. There was a lot of scepticism at the time – even some scare stories that the world as we know it would end in gridlock on 17th February 2002. But, once Congestion Charging started, it turned out that TfL’s model was right.

For the tram, TfL’s models show that where the tram displaces traffic, it could result in increases of traffic of up to 25% in places – so this time the fears of residents may well be right. Even if there is an overall reduction in traffic caused by the tram (which would be good), this level of displacement could cause really serious problems in those areas.

Obviously we will look at the modelling and there will undoubtedly be robust questioning on this issue. But what the 25% increase – if it happens – really means. An increase from one car an hour on average down a road to one and a quarter would mean fears are misplaced. But an increase from a much higher level could cause real problems of bottle-necks, stationary traffic etc.

Clarification on this is absolutely vital, but the information we’ve had so far isn’t clear. Something to pursue in our questioning!

There are also big issues over how the consultation has been carried out, how the tram would integrate with other forms of transport and the impact in particular areas; e.g. the plans currently would involve the closure Acton High Street.

Later this week we are going to examine the Croydon tram and walk/ride the proposed route – from Shepherds Bush right along to Uxbridge.