Local councillors in Waltham Forest are supporting the launch of a new Liberal Democrat campaign for a tube and bus fares freeze.

Boris Johnson, London’s Mayor, is jacking up fare prices by an average of 6% in the New Year and in the case of some bus fares is increasing prices by a massive 11%.

Local Lib Dems are concerned that Waltham Forest residents will find it too expensive to travel in future because of Boris’s above inflation guaranteed price increases for years to come.

“London’s transport system has become one of the most expensive in the world yet fares continue to rise” said local Lib Dem councillor James O’Rourke.

Cllr O’Rourke represents High St ward, which contains three overground rail stations, two tube stations and the third busiest bus terminus in London.

Lib Dem London Assembly Member Caroline Pidgeon added:

“It is not too late for the Mayor to do a u-turn. He can still bring some festive cheer to London’s struggling transport users and poorest families, by halting his outrageous fare increases.”

A new website http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/merrychristmasboris has been launched, giving Londoners the opportunity to sign a petition.

London Lib Dems are asking the Mayor to abandon the planned increases to help struggling families and commuters during the economic crisis.

The freeze would be funded by making savings in Transport for London’s budget and by extending charges for the most polluting cars.