01.03.18
Khan asserts commitment to West London Overground extension in transport strategy
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has this week reasserted his commitment to a West London Orbital rail line as he announced his transport strategy for the next 25 years.
The announcement follows a draft plan being submitted in June this year, and after 6,500 responses to the public, the mayor has announced major commitments to London’s rail network including the Overground extension to west London and a specific proposal for the Sutton Tram extension.
As outlined in summer 2017, new Tube tans and signalling will be delivered, and the importance of Crossrail 2 to the capital was also emphasised once again.
However the full strategy also sets out potential for the West London Orbital rail line, which would connect Hounslow with Cricklewood and Hendon via Old Oak, Neasden and Brent Cross.
The plan reasserted the importance of the Elizabeth Line, Northern Line extension, Crossrail 2, Bakerloo Line extension and the Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf crossing to London.
“I’m delighted that thousands of Londoners have got involved and given us their feedback on the future of transport in London over the coming decades,” the mayor of London commented.
“I’ve been clear that we need to be bold in how our city operates as London’s population grows, and this means not only investing record amounts in new infrastructure like extensions to the tube, rail and Crossrail 2, but working with boroughs and local communities to reduce our reliance on car use across London.”
The West London Alliance, who will work with TfL and London Government to oversee the West London Orbital Rail Line also welcomed the news.
Councillor Julian Bell, chair of the West London Economic Prosperity Board explained: “This is a major victory for the boroughs across West London, and for London as a whole.
“It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together around a shared vision for growth.
“The West London Orbital Rail Line will unlock huge opportunities for residents and businesses. It will also allow people from all our communities to get around without being reliant on the heavily congested road network and help to reduce levels of air pollution.”
Responding to the strategy overall, Val Shawcross, deputy mayor for transport, stated: “Our ambitious strategy for the next 25 years shows how we can provide affordable, accessible and world-class transport for every Londoner, while ensuring our transport network acts as a huge catalyst for new jobs and homes across the capital.”
And London’s transport commissioner Mike Brown added: “Transport is vital to the success of a city. The capital’s population is expected to rise to 10.8 million people by 2041 – creating six million additional journeys every day.
“This bold strategy sets out how London can prosper as it grows over the next two decades, supported by huge improvements to the transport system and the mayor’s vision for active, affordable, efficient and sustainable transport.”
Top image: John Stillwell, PA Wire