Livingstone fears travel chaos at Cardiff final

The Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has written to the Football Association to express his concern about possible travel chaos at this year's FA Cup final.

Thousands of fans were caught up in lengthy traffic jams after Sunday's FA Cup semi-finals at Old Trafford and Villa Park. Chelsea and Fulham supporters returning to London from Birmingham, and Arsenal fans coming back from Manchester faced long delays. The Chelsea team coach did not arriving back in London until 2.45am. And with two London clubs contesting the final on 4 May, Livingstone is worried about a repeat scenario on the M4 leading to Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Livingstone's letter to the FA chief executive, Adam Crozier, sets out his concerns and offers his assistance in discussions with train operators and road authorities.

The letter reads: "I was concerned to hear of the traffic chaos and huge delays and inconvenience caused to supporters of Arsenal, Chelsea and Fulham following the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday.

"I understand from Press reports that a special meeting of the FA Cup Challenge Committee has been called to discuss the problem and travel arrangements for the FA Cup final next month.

"I would be grateful if you could let me have some further details of your analysis of what went wrong with transport arrangements, especially bearing in mind that many Fulham and Chelsea supporters had argued strongly for their match to be played in London rather than at Villa Park.

"I believe a different decision by the FA on the location of the semi-finals could have avoided the severe difficulties caused to London football fans.

"Please could you also give me a full briefing on the arrangements that are being put in place to ensure Arsenal and Chelsea supporters are able to travel to the cup final as safely and conveniently as possible.

"I know that last year there were significant traffic problems for Arsenal supporters despite many of them staggering their journeys as advised, albeit at considerable inconvenience, and that supporters travelling by train were delayed for long periods after the match outside Cardiff station.

"The challenge is obviously all the greater this year with two London sides meeting in the final. I am particularly concerned by reports that the Paddington to Cardiff rail service will be disrupted by maintenance work that weekend."