Agencies pitch in for Transport for London account

Transport for London has met a number of public affairs agencies to

handle a newly created political monitoring remit.

Eugene Clarke, TfL MP and opinion-former manager, confirmed a search was

underway, and said: 'This is the first time we have had an agency do

this for us and feel it is necessary to keep up with developments on

issues affecting transport in the city.'

Clarke would not reveal how many agencies were involved in the pitch and

said that it was too early to give a date for the decision on which

agency is successful.

TfL is facing opposition from Londoners concerning its plans to

introduce 'congestion charges' on cars entering the central area of the

capital.

It is also still fighting plans by the Government to operate London

Underground by public-private partnership.

TfL is headed by transport commissioner Bob Kiley, with its PR handled

by communications director Colin Douglas.

Lesley McLeod, former head of news at the Department for Culture, Media

and Sport, was appointed head of media relations in June (PR Week, June

22).