The Mayor of London has promised to ask Transport for London (TfL) to investigate the cost of re-zoning Croydon’s two major train stations.

Last year the Croydon Guardian launched a campaign calling for East Croydon and West Croydon stations to be placed in Zone 4 to bring them in line with other outlying areas of similar distance and journey time from central London.

The move would potentially save commuters hundreds of pounds a year, and could make the area more attractive to investors and home buyers.

Click here to sign the Zone 4 petition www.croydonguardian.co.uk/zone4

Re-zoning took place at Stratford station in the wake of development coming from the London Olympics.

The campaign joined calls made by Labour politicians and has been backed by Conservative MP for Croydon Central Gavin Barwell and Greater London Authority member Steve O’Connell.

In a letter to Mr Barwell, Boris Johnson said: “I do accept that there are some analogies between Stratford and the regeneration of Croydon and its hinterland and to create a new pole for jobs and prosperity in south London.

“The continuing growth in London’s population and the increasing congestion on the radial network make this look like the right thing to do.

“As agreed at the meeting, TfL will investigate the potential cost of re-zoning East and West Croydon stations and I will write to you again…to confirm the outcome of TfL’s work.”

Mr Barwell said: “This is an important step in moving this campaign forward.

“I’m delighted that Boris has agreed to get TfL to do the detailed costing work we need to back up our case.

“It looks promising, and I’ll continue to do my best to work with others to make the case for Croydon’s hard pressed commuters.”

Click here to sign the Zone 4 petition www.croydonguardian.co.uk/zone4