Letter: Transport gridlock: political chicanery, CrossRail, the American way

Sir: Christian Wolmar ('Two wheels good, more wheels bad', 14 June) perfectly highlights the capital's need for CrossRail. He rightly states that the Government and Opposition are out of touch by failing to commit to improvements in the public transport infrastructure. It's all very well for Robert Key, the roads minister, to launch National Bike Week or ask commuters to use public transport instead of driving into London but, without new investment in the system, his plea is likely to fall on deaf ears.

CrossRail would take commuters off the congested M4 and M11 corridors and, with possible connections between the West End, the City and Heathrow, would provide a much-needed boost to London's flagging status as Europe's premier business city.

Opponents claim that CrossRail is not required before 2010. This is so short-sighted. As Mr Wolmar points out, the Chiltern line has seen use increase by 25 per cent in four years, while Metrolink in Manchester has already exceeded demand by 30 per cent. CrossRail would more than likely do the same, despite the scepticism of its detractors. It is needed now as the country begins to climb out of recession, not in 20 years' time by when the public and overseas investors will be too fed up to bother with tired old London and its endless traffic jams. Our roads are already too full, our public transport under- funded and, despite all the promises from the Government and Opposition, the situation is unlikely to get better.

CrossRail is vital to London's future, and London was terribly let down by the select committee's decision to reject the scheme. As ministers rev up for Green Transport Week, MPs might like to have a word with Mr Key and his colleagues at the Department of Transport about investing in the public transport system which our capital so desperately relies on.

Yours faithfully,

ALICK WHITFIELD

London, SW10

14 June