I quizzed TfL Commissioner Andy Byford about Crossrail's opening date and about road user charging at our Transport Committee meeting. Crossrail is still on track to open on 30th June, with a potentially earlier date in play. On road user charging, it's clear to me that TfL and the Mayor don't really know where they're going and don't seem to want to face up to some of the unpalatable choices they will have to make.
I attended a London Fire Brigade training exercise at Paddington Fire Station, along with other members of the Fire, Resilience and Emergency Planning Committee. Great to see their drones in use alongside one of the new 32 metre turntable ladders. We are so fortunate to have such a capable and professional fire and rescue service in London.
I spoke at the first day of the public inquiry into plans to build a vast and inappropriate development in Osterley. Towers up to 17 storeys high with barely any affordable family-sized housing, causing irreparable harm to critical heritage assets such as Kew Gardens. It's just wrong and I hope that the inquiry reaches the same conclusion.
I met with worshippers and staff at Hounslow Jamia Masjid & Islamic Centre, along with some of the Conservative candidates in the upcoming council elections. Some very interesting chats and it was lovely to have a tour of the building.
I campaigned in support of local Conservative candidates in Osterley, Kingston, Dulwich, Hounslow and Fulham.
