Examination of Witnesses (Questions 18100
- 18115)
18100. In paragraph 2.2 we make specific statements
about stands under cover, good lighting and the following features
as close as possible to a station entrance: safe and direct access
to the local road and cycle network, open and visible allowing
natural surveillance, and well signposted. We very much have all
the CTC points in mind and they are set out there.
18101. As far as the design of train is concerned,
if I can ask the Committee to look at E2 at paragraph 4.2: "Crossrail
trains are likely to include areas of flexible space within each
train. This would be prioritised for the use of wheelchair users.
However, it would combine wheelchair space with the capacity to
carry prams, bikes and other oversize luggage and standing passengers.
Restrictions are likely to be required on the carriage of tandems
and tricycles depending on the final configuration of rolling
stock."
18102. The undertaking which I referred to first
is intended to cover the design of the trains as well, so we will
consult with the CTC on the design of the train to try to do what
we can for cycle users. Obviously we have to balance the needs
of all the different users, but we are clearly committed to taking
into account the needs of cyclists.
18103. Before I finish and leave E2, can the
Committee note that the first sentence of paragraph 4.1 is one
of the sections that needs to be changed because we are no longer
saying that we will necessarily be consistent with LUL policy;
we have given an undertaking to CTC that we will talk to them
and we may, when it comes to it, adopt the policy slightly differently
from LUL.
18104. Sir, that was a phenomenally fast canter
through the cycling issues but I think it has dealt with the principal
issues that the CTC has raised. We have dealt with this very quickly
but it is a very important issue. We are very conscious that cycling
is increasing rapidly and is a very important matter as far as
climate change policy is concerned. If the Committee does have
any concerns, I am very happy to deal with them now or if it wants
to come back later and ask any questions.
18105. Chairman: For the record could
you tell us (1) what are the projected numbers for the use of
Crossrail, and (2) what periods of time would be the peak times
and what would be the throughput peak times in terms of individuals
who are going through? If we could have a note of that?
18106. Ms Lieven: I can give you those
figures now. The peak times for LUL are 7.30 to 9.30 in the morning
and 1600 to 1900 in the afternoons Mondays to Fridays. A good
example of time that will be very busy for Crossrail is Saturday
afternoons but it is not a peak hour for LUL's purposes. So far
as the numbers are concerned, the 2016 forecast—Mr Anderson
will tell me precisely what this is for—is approximately
380,000 Crossrail boarders per day.
18107. Chairman: Thank you very much.
Mr Selway?
18108. Mr Selway: Sir, I am very grateful
to my learned friend for her canter and for her references to
the contents of E2. I think the differences between the CTC and
the promoters at the moment are matters of degree and how fast
we foresee it may be possible that circumstances change. Ms Lieven
mentions that cycle use certainly in London is increasing markedly
and it may be that in the lifetime of the figures that she refers
to the increase may continue and we may see very different patterns
of travel. The problem then is how far those patterns are held
back from maintaining their greatest public benefit by the decisions
that we make now.
18109. Sir, we agree that you have sufficient
information to understand our position and to come to a conclusion
yourselves. I would say that we intend to work very closely with
Crossrail to see how far we can resolve the differences that there
are between us and, if we cannot do so completely, then at least
do so in an amicable fashion.
18110. Chairman: Thank you very much
indeed, Mr Selway.
18111. Ms Lieven: Sir, I need to say
something about Spitalfields. I was not here yesterday but I believe
that Mr Elvin made reference to a short report that was being
written to the Committee to explain issues around the Spitalfields
Monitoring Body Liaison Panel. If I can inform the Committee and
therefore it can be placed on record that that document has now
been sent to yourselves and to the Petitioners who have complained
in their petitions about what has happened.
18112. Chairman: For the record can I
list that as A200.
18113. Ms Lieven: We will obviously be
coming back to that in two weeks' time.
18114. Chairman: The Committee is very
grateful that we have got that today to give sufficient time to
the Petitioners to read it before their appearance on 30 January.
Mr Selway and Mr Holladay, thank you for all the efforts that
you have put in today. We are most grateful. Thank you for all
the additional information that you have provided. The Committee,
I can assure you, will take these matters into consideration.
We wish you a less arduous journey home.
18115. That is the end of today's meeting. The
next meeting will take place next week on Thursday at 10 am.
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