New attack launched in Tube battle

Ministers have cast doubts about Kiley's New York record

Transport Minister Keith Hill has launched a scathing attack on the London transport commissioner who is threatening court action against government plans for the Tube.

Mr Hill told BBC's London Live he doubted Bob Kiley's past record of success on the New York subway, saying the injury rate there was more than 40 times greater than the current level on the underground.

His comments underline the government's apparent determination to press ahead with its public private partnership plans for the system.

The question is who delivers the safest system London Underground, the Brits or Mr Kiley?

Keith Hill
Transport Minister

Mr Kiley and London's Mayor Ken Livingstone say safety is a key factor in their opposition the PPP proposals.

Clash on safety

Mr Hill said: "We have a lot of problems with Mr Kiley about safety.

"When Mr Kiley finished as the controller of the New York subway the rate of injuries was 40 times that on the London Underground right now.

Hill: PPP will protect safety

"The question is who delivers the safest system, London Underground, the Brits or Mr Kiley?"

The transport commissioner is credited with leading a turnaround in the New York subway as chairman of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority between 1984 and 1990.

Ministry officials in London said the London Underground had an exemplary safety record and branded Mr Kiley's safety concerns as "a red herring".

Tube strike

Tube workers in the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union are set to walk out at 2000 BST (1900 GMT) on Wednesday for a 24 hour strike over their fears that safety would be compromised by the PPP scheme.

Mr Hill said: "The union has led its membership up the garden path by filling them with scare stories about safety.

"The truth of the matter is that there is absolutely no question of the Government going ahead with PPP unless we have the absolute guarantee of the Health and Safety Executive that it is not only as safe as the present system, but safer."

Mr Kiley described the government's plans as "flawed" when he announced on Tuesday that he would be seeking a judicial review on the issue.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone says he believes Mr Kiley has the overwhelming backing of Londoners to take whatever action he feels appropriate to run a safe and efficient Tube.

We still feel there is opportunity for talking to the Government.

Transport for London spokesman

Transport for London (TfL), the authority headed by Mr Kiley, has instructed lawyers to prepare for the judicial review, which could begin just days before the possible 3 May election date.

TfL says the court action will proceed unless a last minute deal is struck giving Mr Kiley unified management control of Tube services, maintenance and infrastructure.

A spokesman said: "We want to get this resolved as quickly as possible, hopefully in the next few weeks.

"We still feel there is opportunity for talking to the Government."