New MPs’ group pushes for Elmbridge’s much needed tram link

5:00pm Friday 11th August 2006

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A newly-created MPs' group has turned up the heat on stalled plans for a South London tram network connecting Kingston to Elmbridge.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Light Rail consists of 20 MPs charged with lobbying for the development of tram and light rail schemes, and has won the praise of Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer and local transport groups.

In 2004, an £84million development, which would have joined Kingston to the Tramlink network covering Wimbledon and Croydon, was dropped before a study into the feasibility of the scheme was even begun.

Transport for London (TfL), which would have shouldered most of the financial burden, decided against the scheme, saying that Kingston had seen an improvement in its bus and train services and the money was needed in other areas.

A TfL spokesman said there was no plan for trams in Kingston, adding: "In 2001, when we produced the Mayor's transport strategy, there were seven possible extensions to the tram network, and none of them was Kingston.

"We have a shortlist of four at the moment, and of them only one is getting funding."

The planned west London tram link, from Ealing to Uxbridge, is currently being opposed by the new local Conservative council because of the massive disruption necessary on key artery roads.

Tony Adams from Kingston's Travellers Association said: "If they don't want it, can't they bring the money down here?

"We would love it."

Susan Kramer MP said the Mayor's transport policies concentrate on east London and the Olympics, when more people are moving to south west London.