South London leaders launch strategy calling for investment to improve transport links
Political and business leaders from five South London boroughs have launched a new transport strategy calling for increased investment to improve connectivity, support economic growth and address what they describe as a longstanding imbalance in transport infrastructure.
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The "Mind the Gap: Connecting South London" strategy, developed by the South London Partnership (SLP), sets out proposals for improving rail, bus, tram and active travel networks across South London. The partnership is urging the UK Government, Transport for London (TfL), Network Rail and industry partners to work together to deliver both short-term improvements and longer-term infrastructure projects.
The South London Partnership represents the London boroughs of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton.
The strategy identifies four priority areas:
strengthening rail services and key transport interchanges, including Clapham Junction, Richmond, Wimbledon, Morden and East Croydon;
creating better integration between bus, rail, tram and active travel networks;
progressing plans for Crossrail 2 as a long-term transport investment; and
improving accessibility, affordability and inclusion across the transport system.
According to the partnership, improved transport links are intended to support housing delivery, increase access to employment and education, improve journeys to healthcare, and help businesses expand across South London. The strategy combines shorter-term measures, such as enhancing bus services, with longer-term proposals including the Thameslink Growth Corridor and Crossrail 2.
The strategy was launched at an event in Twickenham attended by representatives from local government, transport providers, businesses and higher education institutions.
The publication follows the release of Richmond Council's Transport Strategy 2040, which sets out a longer-term vision for improving mobility, accessibility and sustainable transport within the borough. The strategy includes priorities such as investment in infrastructure, public transport, accessibility, safety and regional connectivity.
The proposals outlined in Mind the Gap are not funded projects but form part of a wider case for future investment. Delivery of many of the recommendations would require support and funding from national government, TfL and Network Rail.