Transport for London are not reconsidering their plans for the West London Tram despite all the Councils along the route being opposed to the scheme.

A TfL spokesman has been quoted by the Press Association as saying that planning is to continue as the support of the local authorities was not needed. The spokesman said, "TfL will continue to listen to the boroughs and local residents as we progress this scheme." However he was adamant that the scheme would greatly enhance public transport in the area as there was a limit to how many buses could run along the route.

The borough elections on 4th May saw the surprise defeat of the ruling Labour Council in Ealing who were the last authority to back the scheme. Many observers have put their defeat down to the unpopularity of the tram and surviving Labour Councillors have now joined the other parties in voting against it. The new Conservative administration has pledged 'aggressive opposition' to the £650 million project.

Transport for London have always disputed that the scheme was unpopular saying that their own market research studies showed broad support for the plan. They dismissed the results of their own consultation which showed 59% opposition by saying it was unscientific.

Jason Stacey the leader of the new Conservative administration in Ealing has voiced concerns that Transport for London could 'punish' the area for lack of support for the scheme by withdrawing funding for other transport projects. He has urged TfL to work with the Council on alternative schemes such as the extension of the Central line.

Syed Kamall, Conservative MEP for London said, "Transport for London should be listening to the huge number of people who oppose this scheme. It is clear the tram scheme proposals were a decisive issue in the local Council elections and Labour's support for the scheme was one of many reasons why they lost control of the Council. "Yet despite this public opposition, TFL is still trying to ram these proposals through."

A public inquiry needs to be held before any construction could begin, with the final decision resting with the transport secretary. At this stage the earliest work could start is 2009 with the service beginning in 2013.

May 31 2006