The London Assembly has launched an investigation aimed at improving travel arrangements to and from the capital’s sporting events.
According to the Assembly more than 250,000 sports fans can be traveling across the capital on any autumn weekend resulting in disruption for local residents and other passengers. At present no single body has responsibility for managing these large crowds.
Led by Murad Qureshi AM the investigation will particularly focus on travel arrangements to London’s football, rugby, cricket and tennis stadiums and will bring together Transport for London, the boroughs, stadium owners and fans by investigating difficulties at individual grounds, and promoting possible solutions.
Murad Qureshi said: “Each of London’s major sporting venues attracts thousands of spectators. With increasing efforts aimed at persuading fans to leave the car at home, and with a team’s fan base expanding far beyond traditional local catchment areas, public transport is increasingly picking up the strain.
“It’s all very well improving the public transport infrastructure for spectators going to the Olympics in 2012, but the plight of the London spectators going about supporting their local teams – week in, week out, season after season – also needs to be improved. I hope this investigation will make sports fans’ lives easier.”
The Assembly would like to hear about your experiences while travelling to and from matches. What do you think can be done to improve your journey? Who do you think should be responsible for overseeing travel arrangements for sporting events?
If you want to let Assembly Members know what you think write to Richard Derecki, PP10, London Assembly, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA or email: sportstravel@london.gov.uk
