+ ON THE SOAPBOX: The Mayor of London

For the first issue of the year the Editor-in-Chief likes to have his say on matters that affect the travel industry.

"This time around my aggravation is the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, whose lack of vision and blinkered views are blighting the Capital, which he is supposed to champion.  Even Ken Livingstone, many of whose utterings were plain evil, had the vision to support the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), and the Olympics jointly with Lord Coe.  

In the middle of the pandemic, and missed by many, London’s so-called ‘City Hall’ moved from its previous location opposite the Tower of London to a site one mile from the runway extension of London City Airport.

Clearly any noise from the airport does not bother the Mayor and it is very convenient to welcome visitors flying in from Europe, Scotland and Ireland.  

One could argue with its name City Hall.  It is not the headquarters of the City of London, that is the Mansion House.  It is the administrative centre of the Greater London Authority (GLA), a devolved regional governance body.

In his new home clearly Mayor Khan is clearly happy with the noise levels of the current jets, to be replaced over the years by even more environmentally friendly planes.  He should support the planning application for a minor reuse of slot facilities on a Saturday afternoon when the GLA councillors are probably not at their desks.  

Best would be a move back to a central location close by Parliament.  It would make life easier for politicians and the media.

In June 2011, the then Mayor, Boris Johnson, announced that for the duration of the London 2012 Olympic Games, the then City Hall building would be called ‘London House’.  That should have stuck!

Brent Cross West station on Thames Link has just opened at a cost of £94m.  It is 1.5 miles from Brent Cross shopping centre and will support local housing.  It was constructed on a busy main line with no disruption to services.  

What about a station called Silvertown for City Hall and London City Airport to rejuvenate the locality?

As an afterthought does Khan venture at 20mph up the Finchley Road, London’s arterial gateway, to the northern suburbs in his £300,000 armoured Land Rover at 20mph, as he is overtaken by cyclists and fast runners?

And who pays the fine if the car reaches 21mph and is flashed?  Nothing from TfL, who must be affected. And likewise, who pays the drivers fine?  Trade Union matterr!

I spoke at a busy conference during the holiday on London City Airport and the rejuvenation of the East End.

The last question from the audience at the end of my talk was “why not an Elizabeth Line station at Silvertown?”  My retort “Ask the Mayor”.

Malcolm Ginsberg, Travel News Update

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

Jane Morris, Kilburn

To my mind City Hall (call it what you like) should be the focus of attention for Londoners wishing to know what is going in local government. County Hall was a outstanding example, even if outdated, and the Southwark site served the same purpose. But Silvertown. Surely a mistake! The local Tories should latch on to this one.

Chris Jones, Wandsworth, London

Historically most Town Halls are in the centre of a Metropolis. ie. Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Manchester etc. Why not London?

Jill Blank, Kilburn - London

Well done Malcolm Ginsberg. I have asked my inner circle where City Hall is and nobody knew. It must be an expensive and time consuming matter for BBC London, Sky, and ITV to drag out with camera teams etc to cover what are just stories and promotions for the Mayor.

Jeff Green, Egham, Surrey

London is supposed to be cycle conscious. According to Google Maps Westminster is just under 10 miles away and a 45 minute cycle ride. By train it is a 5 minute walk to the DLR Royal Victoria and on to Tower Gateway/Tower Hill - 20 minutes joining the District Line and a journey time of 45 minutes. The Mayor might go by car. 30 minutes if he is lucky.