Greg Hands, Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham, continues his opposition to Transport for London’s (TfL) proposed curtailment of the 424 bus route.
The 424 bus currently runs right the way through Fulham, from Craven Cottage to Putney High Street, providing a vital service for local residents along its route.
However, as per the following diagram, TfL’s proposed changes to the 424 route would mean that Bagleys Lane, Pearscroft Road, Broughton Road, Stephendale Road, Townmead Road and Byam Street, as well as the New King’s Road from Parsons Green to Putney Bridge would no longer be served by the 424 bus.
Furthermore, the Sainsbury’s on Townmead Road, as well as Putney High Street – both of which are popular with shoppers – would no longer be included in the service. Of most concern, as a result of these changes Sands End would lose its only direct bus service.
Greg Hands received a written update on the 424 bus route from the Mayor of London in August this year. The Mayor’s letter came in response to the petition organised by Sands End ward Conservative councillors Rob Largan, Steve Hamilton, and Jane Law – who collected more than 2,000 signatures in less than a fortnight – and which Greg handed to the Mayor in person, in an effort to show the local opposition to any curtailment of the 424 bus route. The Mayor’s letter encouraged local residents to respond to the public consultation.
Along with these local Conservative councillors, Greg Hands continues being opposed to the curtailment, saying: “Now that the details of 424’s proposals are public, I can only conclude that Sands End should continue to have this vital bus service. Pensioners who rely on the 424 for their shopping, and other local residents who rely on this route to go to work would be left without an option by these proposed changes.
“Accordingly, I believe that Transport for London should reconsider these poorly thought out proposals, and I shall make this perfectly clear in my submission to the consultation. If you feel that you will be affected by the curtailment of the 424 bus route, please do make a submission to TfL by 31 January 2016.”
Details on TfL’s consultation can be found here, and to make sure your opinion is heard, you can make a submission here, email consultations@tfl.gov.uk or write to FREEPOST TFL CONSULTATIONS.
TfL is holding drop-in sessions on Thursday 14 January 2016, 18.00-21.00, at The Sales Gallery, Milliners House, Eastfields Avenue, London, SW18 1LP; and on Tuesday 19 January – 1800 to 2100 - Langford Primary School, Gilstead Road, Fulham, SW6 2LG.