Boris' adviser on board the re-zoning campaign, says MP (From Surrey Comet)

Boris' adviser on board the re-zoning campaign, says MP

10:54am Thursday 18th December 2008 in Search By David Lindsell

Mayor of London Boris Johnson "wants to help as much as he can" in the campaign to re-zone Kingston and Surbiton stations which could save some commuters hundreds of pounds.

Before his election the Tory contender pledged to support the move but since he has been in office it was feared he would emulate Ken Livingstone and proclaim powerlessness over the decision.

Kingston and Surbiton’s MP, Edward Davey, and the Mayor of London’s director of transport, Kulveer Ranger met yesterday.

MrDavey said: "It’s now clear that Boris Johnson wants to help as much as he can, and I want to thank the Mayor for his support.

"Together I think there’s a real chance we could get these two key local stations re-zoned and save some local commuters hundreds of pounds a year."

“There’s still a long way to go because together we now have to persuade South West Trains of the case for change and deal with their concerns.

Whilst Ken Livingstone refused to back our re-zoning, Boris Johnson did, so he deserves real credit."

Berrylands resident and transport economist Dr Tim Leurig will work with Transport for London experts to draw the case for re-zoning.

The earliest commuters could find themselves in zone 5 would be September 2009 if everything goes off without a hitch.