Proposals to devolve control of rail services in London and the South East could give the London mayor and Transport for London (TfL) ‘a say over areas where they have no voters’, council leaders have warned.
In their response to a consultation on the plans, South East England Councils (SEEC) have called for political representation on the TfL board ‘to give a voice for South East passengers’ and avoid a ‘democratic deficit’.
SEEC also called for a review and expansion of Oyster card areas to bring ticket pricing benefits to a larger number of its members’ residents.
The councils pointed out that 1.2 million of their residents commute within the South East without going into London, roughly 750,000 more than those commuting into the capital.
In a letter to TfL, SEEC chairman Cllr Nicolas Heslop and deputy chairman Cllr Roy Perry write that: ‘Some SEEC members believe the prospect of TfL taking over management of some services in the South East has the potential to better integrate and improve rail services across London and the South East.’
However they added: ‘This will be dependent on the condition that both sides of the London boundary receive equal benefits; and that the views of South East residents and commuters are represented through effective partnership.’
The council leaders also wrote: ‘Some areas would also welcome new opportunities for extending rail Oyster card zones and cheap rail fares beyond the London boundary into the South East.’
The letter also raised concerns that current proposals do not address support for economic growth and consistency of services.
SEEC represents councils in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East and West Sussex, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire and Surrey.
Cllr Heslop said: ‘The proposals could benefit residents and businesses in the South East. Rail service improvements could unleash economic growth, reduce congestion, improve quality of life for millions and offer cheaper fares by extending Oyster Card boundaries.’
Last week London Councils, which represents the capital’s boroughs, said that current governance proposals for devolved services ‘fall short of what is required’ and called for its members to have a greater say.
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