Yahoo News Crossrail delayed: Backlash as Elizabeth line launch is postponed by at least nine months until autumn 2019
Business leaders today condemned the “massively disappointing” decision to postpone the launch of Crossrail services for almost a year.
West End store bosses reeling from slowing consumer spending and soaring costs had been counting on a boost from the opening of the “on time and on budget” Elizabeth line through central London in December.
The hold-up, a huge embarrassment for both Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and senior ministers, has been caused by delays in fitting out the tunnel and testing software systems that control signalling, lighting and other essential services. This has in turn cut into the time available for safety testing.
There is particular anger that the surprise announcement has come only three months before the opening date during the Christmas trading period. Business has contributed more than £5 billion to the overall £15.4 billion Crossrail budget through the Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy and contributions linked to developments close to the route.
In total more than 60 per cent of the project’s funding has been provided by Londoners and London businesses.
Jace Tyrrell, chief executive of the New West End Company that represents hundreds of businesses on Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street, told the Evening Standard: “There is a lot of frustration on this. This was really important to help retailers out after a very difficult period.
“The announcement was kept away from business, which has made a huge investment into the process in the West End. It doesn’t send a good message from UK plc to the rest of the world on infrastructure projects.”
He called on Chancellor Philip Hammond to help retailers ride out the intervening period until train services start next year, with a rebate on business rates funded by a one per cent levy on internet businesses.
Ros Morgan, chief executive of the Heart of London Business Alliance, which represents 600 businesses and property owners in the West End, said: "This is disappointing news for our businesses, whose staff and customers have long been preparing for the new line.
"At a time when our members are struggling to recruit and retain staff, the Crossrail delay will not help with connectivity. TfL and the GLA should seriously be considering how it can help London’s lowest paid commute to and from work with a discounted travel card."
Mr Khan, who said the delay was “disappointing”, and Conservative Transport Secretary Chris Grayling, faced an angry backlash.
Former Conservative transport secretary Justine Greening said: “London MPs will be demanding answers from both Chris Grayling and Sadiq Khan.
“It’s got to be safe and reliable, but this is a long delay that’s come out of the blue. Londoners faced with nine months extra overcrowding will want answers I’m sure.”
Former Tory trade minister Greg Hands said: “This will also hit TfL’s finances which have been mismanaged already by Sadiq Khan.”
Shadow transport secretary Andy McDonald said: “This delay is extremely unfortunate ... the Conservatives have shown themselves incapable of delivering investment on time or in budget.”
Crossrail chief executive Mr Wright said: “The Elizabeth line is one of the most complex and challenging infrastructure projects ever undertaken in the UK and is now in its final stages.
“We have made huge progress with the delivery of this incredible project but we need further time to complete the testing of the new railway.
“We are working around the clock with our supply chain and Transport for London to complete and commission the Elizabeth line.” The full line will stretch from Reading and Heathrow in the west to Shenfield in Essex in the east, serving 41 stations.
