Dartford MP opposes Boris Johnson's TFL proposals for Dartford trains (From News Shopper)

Dartford MP opposes Boris Johnson's TFL proposals for Dartford trains

1:30pm Sunday 12th February 2012 in News By Kelly Smale

MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson has opposed Boris Johnson's proposals to take over the running of trains from Dartford.

The Mayor of London is calling on government to hand the power to Transport for London, claiming it would save millions of pounds and give passengers more reliable and frequent services, safer and cleaner stations, more staff and simpler fares.

TfL has identified Southeastern as a priority for devolution when the franchise comes up for renewal in 2014.

The new plan would cover services from Dartford railway station into London.

Boris Johnson said: "My vision is for one integrated suburban service operating to the standards we have demonstrated can be achieved on London Overground, which is now one of the most reliable and popular railways in the UK."

Gareth Johnson says he does not support the plan because providers should be accountable.

He said: "The Mayor of London is not accountable to residents in Dartford, they cannot vote for him and therefore decisions about the transport network in Kent should not be made by him. "Residents should be able to express their dissatisfaction with a policy at the ballot box."

He added: "Whilst residents may have concerns with the performance of Southeastern I still believe in Kent we are better off having a rail provider that serves Kent as opposed to one that serves London.

"I believe these changes would result in a slower service from Kent into London and would therefore provide less value for money for residents"

Leader of North Kent Commuters Group, Jackie Davidson, said: "It's going to cause complete chaos. All it will do is drive more and more people on to the roads."

The 59-year-old added: "There's an Ashford to Victoria train and Boris wanted it to stop at Peckham Rye and Denmark Hill, which would add 10 minutes to the journey time.

"He hasn't got a clue."