Martin Linton

Labour Party | Battersea

Martin Seeks Action On Trains

Battersea MP Martin Linton will be meeting Mayor Livingstone to discuss the problem of freight on South London’s railways.

Battersea Railway Bridge is the sole crossing for all the freight from the Channel ports to the north and this constrains the number of passenger services that can be run in the area.

Martin said: ‘I am all for moving freight on rail but it shouldn’t have to go through residential areas and at the expense of passenger services. More and more people are using trains and leaving the car at home and the number of journeys is expected to continue growing. We need a better balance between freight and passengers within London’s rail planning.

Ken Livingstone is to be given greater influence over rail services in and around the capital thanks to the Railways Bill, debated in the Commons this week.

Ken will be able to specify rail services, fares and station standards and will have the freedom to fund additional improvements.

Martin is also seeking an explanation for the accident in January when a man fell to his death in between a platform and a train. He will be asking for action on platform gaps at Clapham Junction from the Mayor and Transport Secretary Alistair Darling.