MP welcomes change of mind by SWT after cycle policy consultation

17.09.04

Local Liberal Democrat MP Edward Davey has welcomed a change of heart by South West Trains on its cycle policy. The original proposals were changed after recent consultations, in which Edward Davey MP played an active role.

As a result of these consultations, South West Trains were persuaded to abandon many of their original proposals, which is good news for the many local residents who travel on the trains with their cycles. Most significantly, South West Trains have abandoned their proposed network-wide 'contra peak' ban on cycles (i.e. the threat of a ban on cycles on trains traveling away from London in the morning peak).

Following the consultations, involving Edward Davey MP and many other local groups, it has been decided that the new cycle policy will target only the busiest services, which effectively means 'no change' for local commuters. Furthermore, cyclists will be allowed to use the services traveling to London before the main morning peak period starts. Also, the evening peak timings have been shortened to give cyclists a greater option on the less busy evening peak services. The planned implementation date for the changes is 11th October.

Edward Davey MP, who took a leading role in the consultations, commented:

"I am pleased that South West Trains have been persuaded to abandon their original proposals, and put in place a more sensible policy for cyclists.


"I know from talking to local constituents that the original proposals would have adversely affected many cyclists in the area. I'm grateful for the positive contribution to the consultation process that local people made and that they enabled me to act as a voice for local concerns.

"The original proposals were quite frankly impractical. Why should people be stopped from taking their bicycles on trains that are coming away from London? It is vital that local people should be able to use their bicycles both in commuting to London, and within the local area, and I'm glad that SWT now agree.

"There's lots more we need to do to encourage cycling and cyclists using local trains. The new cycle racks at Surbiton Station were a recent big step forward. I hope local cyclists will continue to come forward with ideas for making things better."

Read detailed information on South West Trains' Cycle Policy