Ken accuses MPs over roads

Ken Livingstone's transport authority has accused the Government of "highway robbery", following claims that ministers cheated the road authorities of £60 million.

The row concerns the funding the Department of Transport provided after passing on responsibility for around 200 miles of major roads in London to the Mayor.

Officials from Transport for London say bills are now being received that the DoT knew about but did not include in its settlement with TfL.

The scandal has also engulfed several London boroughs who say they are owed millions of pounds. They splashed out on road improvements having been assured they would be repaid. Three boroughs, Waltham Forest, Havering and Redbridge are owed a total of £7 million.

They have been unable to get the money back because the Highways Agency says the liability now rests with TfL, while TfL insists the Highways Agency is responsible.

The Mayor, who chairs Transport for London, put the blame squarely on Government. He said: "The Highways Agency gave a commitment, which was not transferred to Tfl - that is absolutely clear."

Mr Livingstone added: "Certainly no money was transferred to TfL to pay for this, and I think the boroughs concerned have a very powerful case for the Highways Agency giving them the money. None of this took place after the formation of TfL."