Tories promise billions in new London transport investment while 'bearing down' on fares

The Conservatives' candidate for the Mayor of London would back a new road tunnel in the east of the capital, while saying he, "as a rule, back[s] public transport, cycling and walking over costly new road space".

Zac Goldsmith, an environmental campaigner, declares in his transport manifesto that "costly new road space...carries far less people and adds to air pollution." But he adds: "However, it is clear that the lack of river crossings in east London is driving up costs for builders and small businesses, and holding back house-building... and causing delays on our bus network."

He would build a crossing at Silvertown with private finance and apply tolls so that it "does not encourage more car journeys if they can be avoided" but "only used by businesses that need it".

Goldsmith also pledges to build Crossrail 2, the Sutton Tramlink, extensions to the Northern, Bakerloo and Overground lines, a review of the bus network with a view to increasing frequencies, particularly in south London, to pedestrianise Oxford Street and potentially turn Soho into a "walkers' zone," and to protect £1bn committed to double the number of cyclists by 2026 and seek a £200m 'boomerang' cycling bridge.

Labour said that the plans would mean a 17% rise in fares compared to their four-year fares freeze, while the Lib Dems dismissed the promises as "an uncosted wish list". Its mayoral candidate Caroline Pidgeon said: "The Treasury is expecting TfL to pay its own way and rely less on grants."