COMMENT: Boris gone but his heritage remains

In 2008, Boris Johnson scraped in as Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone effectively self-defeating. In spite of many shortcomings Livingstone had proved to be an effective Mayor of London, supporting the 2012 Olympic Games project, together with political opposites.  He even eventually endorsed the DLR extension to London City Airport (LCY) although initially very much opposed to the London gateway project.  He was pragmatic.

In 2006 the North London line closed and with it the Silvertown for London City Airport station.  The rail bed would become part of Crossrail and a new station was initially planned for the project.  

In 2008 the new Mayor embarked on his ill-fated Boris Island project, funded, without their consent, by the ratepayers of London.  Johnson then appointed Dan Moylan (now Lord Moylan) to the Transport for London (TfL) Board, whose attitude to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) LCY station was “over my dead body”.  Not only was the airport denied access to what was to become the Elizabeth line, but also the citizens of Silvertown and North Woolwich lost out too.  There is now no station between ExCeL and Woolwich Arsenal, south of the river.

The idea of a station on the Elizabeth line for Silvertown is not dead, but could be said to be moribund.  Most agree it could happen and is easily possible from an operational and technical perspective, and not expensive in terms of transport infrastructure. It will also open up the airport to all the connections that the Elizabeth line offers.  Visitors to ExCeL London and the Business Travel Show extolled at the speed and comfort of the line from central London.  An electric bus service between Custom House (ExCeL) could be a possibility, the cost split three ways between the airport, British Airways and TfL.  

The airport plans for expansion have now been turned down by the local council.  (See  www.travelnewsupdate.co.uk/article/325 in this month's TNU.)

A tiny minority who opposed the original planning scheme, have been proved completely wrong. The airport has been a great success not just for Newham, but all of London.  The Mayor has recognised this, albeit in an offhand way, and after seven years in power has still to visit LCY, or even Silvertown.  British Airways is looking at new aircraft that for the same number of movements will offer 25% extra capacity and even more important over 65% noise reduction over the current planes. 

Basing the aircraft seven days a week at LCY is good for the airlines and brings more business to the community. Few will notice the few flights on Saturday afternoons and the Sunday morning curfew will be respected.

British Airways is by far the largest operator at the airport and is in the market for new aircraft that are far more environmentally friendly and efficient than their current fleet.  No news yet but the Newham decision will have delayed the choice.  

Newham needs to think again and offer a plebiscite. That is the democratic way forward.

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