Whether it’s fighting Southeastern for more train services, TfL for more reliable buses, or against Labour’s anti-motorist policies, local people know that I am on their side in trying to improve our transport.
On Southeastern, I have successfully stood up for local commuters against the timetable changes introduced in 2022. I was the first MP to raise this in the House of Commons. I met Southeastern and the Department for Transport more than any other MP to emphasise the urgent need to reconsider the timetable changes and ensure my constituents’ voice was heard. Following extensive lobbying and the results of my local survey, Southeastern made significant changes to their timetables. This includes reinstating Charing Cross services on the Bexleyheath line, more peak-time services, more Abbey Wood services on the Sidcup line (more from December 2024) and the doubling of trains serving Albany Park Station. Whilst I welcome that Southeastern listened to our calls for extra services and capacity, I recognise that further changes are still required to ensure the timetable delivers for the needs of Bexley passengers, which I will continue to fight for.
I will also continue to lobby for more step-free access stations, following the £6 million we secured for an Access for All transformation for Bexley Station, which includes the new footbridge, lifts, and CCTV.
I also recognise the importance of our local bus network, particularly in connecting communities within Old Bexley, Sidcup, and Welling. I will continue to press Sadiq Khan to listen to local concerns about the Superloop not stopping between Sidcup and Bexleyheath, as well as issues with the performance of other services across the constituency.
I will continue to oppose Labour’s anti-driver agenda, including their price per miles plans, Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, blanket 20 mph zones, and Blackwall Tunnel toll. Whilst the Conservatives are backing drivers by pledging to block road pricing, reversing ULEZ expansion in London and ruling out top-down blanket Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 20mph zones, the Labour Party manifesto sets out their plans to increase the Mayor’s powers, including over Transport which risks strengthening Sadiq Khan’s hammering of motorists in Bexley which is supported by the local Labour Party.
I also recently secured £8.5million to help Bexley Council improve our roads locally. I will continue to stand up for drivers in Bexley.