Fare cut on buses illegal

Press, 12 November 1981, Page 7

Fare cut on buses illegal

NZPA-Reuter London A court yesterday struck down cheaper bus and train fares in London, ruling that the Left-leaning London council acted illegally in slashing them 25 per cent a month ago. The Court of Appeal held that the Labour Party leaders who control the Greater London Council exceeded their powers and acted out of political motives in cutting fares to make ’good on an election pledge. The council’s leader, Ken Livingstone, an avowed Leftist radical elected last May largely on his promise to reduce the cost of public transport, said after the verdict that the G.L.C. might now have to raise the fares 200 per cent. The lower fares were challenged by a Conservativecontrolled suburban council which contested a special property tax levied to subsidise the cuts on London buses and underground trains. Lord Denning, the chief Appeal Court judge, said the G.L.C. leaders were foolish to reduce the fares without first seeking legal advice. “It is their own fault ... They must unscramble the fares as best they can,” he added. The council leader said he would appeal against the verdict.