Disappointment over Tramlink finish date

9:30am Wednesday 2nd May 2007

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London mayor Ken Livingstone has confirmed a Tramlink extension will not be ready until after the 2012 London Olympics.

On the current timetable, the link between Crystal Palace and Beckenham will not be finished until 2013 at the earliest.

London Assembly member Bob Neill recently wrote a letter to Mr Livingstone supporting a motion carried unanimously by Bromley Council members on March 19 calling for the mayor to bring forward the completion date.

The MP for Bromley and Chislehurst also asked Mr Livingstone to investigate the feasibility of extending the DLR from Lewisham to Bromley North through Grove Park.

A Mayor of London spokesman said: "The earliest possible time for the Tramlink extension to be delivered has always been 2013.

"After investigating extending the DLR network to Bromley, Transport for London found this is not feasible.

"However, planned improvements to the East London line and bus services will mean residents will see real improvements to public transport services."

Bromley Council portfolio holder for environment and leisure Councillor Colin Smith said: "Although, as Bob Neill has said, we are pleased to see the Tramlink scheme to Crystal Palace has been approved, it is extremely disappointing it will not be in place before 2013.

"Even more disappointing is the news the proposed upgrading of the existing extension to Beckenham Junction has been dropped, further limiting options for residents suffering horribly overcrowded trains in this part of the borough."