Tory vow to tackle crowded trains

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Tackling overcrowding on commuter trains will be an "urgent priority" for a Tory government as part of its focus on green issues, said David Cameron.

The Tory leader said more cash was needed to boost capacity on the busiest routes, although it would have to come from existing transport budgets.

Mr Cameron was warned in a leaked memo to avoid tax rises for better trains.

Labour said the Tories had opposed extra rail investment. The Lib Dems dismissed the Tory vow as "tinkering".

Mr Cameron is attempting to change the Conservatives' image as the party of road transport.

He said that as commuters were paying for the rail network, they should get a good service - and as soon as possible.

You can't just wave a magic wand and make these things happen instantly Stephen LadymanTransport minister

"We will not accept more announcements that are designed to generate short-term headlines and leave passengers to waiting for years and years before anything actually happens," said Mr Cameron.

"The government is due to receive significant extra funds after the recent franchise auctions - mostly paid for by passengers through the fares they pay.

"We think it is an urgent priority for that money to be spent on tackling overcrowding."

He gave his support to proposals such as Thameslink plans to increase services in London and the south east and the renovation of Birmingham New Street station.

"I give a commitment that if we are in government after 2009 or 2010, we will complete these improvements and look at ways of further enhancing our rail network."

'Not anti-motorist'

His transport spokesman, Chris Grayling, said the policy did not mean the Conservatives were "anti-car".

"We very strongly believe that the railways have to be a central part of our transport strategy for environmental reasons.

"[It] doesn't mean we are going to become anti-car or anti-motorist. But trains are going to be extremely important in helping combat climate change," he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

"The big issue right now is the overcrowding crisis on the railways. If you go to many parts of the country, people can barely get on their trains in the morning.

"We believe that we need urgent action in this country now to deal with the problem."

In a memo leaked to the press over the weekend, Mr Cameron was warned by Shadow Chancellor George Osborne to rule out spending extra taxpayers' money on new high speed trains.

'Magic wand'

Transport Minister Stephen Ladyman said cash was already pouring in to the rail network - but improvements would not happen overnight.

"You can't just wave a magic wand and make these things happen instantly. It takes time.

"We're making the investments the Tories have constantly voted against - the measures needed to raise money to make those investments.

"We're spending £90m a week on the rail service at the moment. We've completed the Channel Tunnel rail link. We've spent £8bn on the West Coast mainline."

'More cars'

For the Liberal Democrats, Alistair Carmichael said the Conservative policy had significant gaps.

"They have ruled out in principle the commitment of extra money to be put into our transport system.

"They've got nothing to say about buses. They continue to want to build roads which is a recipe for more cars on more roads which leads to more congestion.

"And they've refused to deal with the one solution that there is available - which is road pricing."