The Liberal Democrats are urging Sadiq Khan to reconsider the tram extension in Sutton.

In September 2023, Sadiq Khan cancelled plans to extend the London Trams network to Colliers Wood, citing the cost of the pandemic and the conditions of the government's financial support for the transport system.

In response to questioning, Sadiq Khan expressed his willingness to reconsider the trams extension scheme if funding becomes available.

However, he mentioned that the business case for the scheme would need to improve as well.

TfL also mentioned that the inflationary crisis has affected the cost of building large infrastructure.

The Liberal Democrats believe that despite the challenges faced by TfL, the tram extension should remain a priority for the Mayor, especially considering his expansion of ULEZ to outer London, including Sutton.

Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member and Transport spokesperson Caroline Pidgeon AM said: “While I’m pleased to see the Mayor is willing to revisit the extension of London Trams to Sutton should more funding become available, the current situation isn’t good enough.

“Residents in Sutton have been waiting over 20 years for this project to get off the ground.

“With Labour having expanded ULEZ to outer London, it is even more vital now that Sutton is connected to the wider tube and tram network in London.

“The tram would have unlocked access to jobs, and housing and attracted new business and investment into the borough.

“The Liberal Democrats will continue to push the Mayor to ensure Sutton gets the access to the public transport it deserves.

Adding his comments, Cllr Barry Lewis, the Liberal Democrat Environment and Sustainable Transport lead, on Sutton Council said: “The Mayor is not being fair.

“The business case for bringing the tram to Sutton has been unequivocally proven. 

“Ten years ago, we showed it would generate over 10,000 additional jobs and over £500 million of GVA. 

“That's 10 years of missed opportunity. Both Conservative and Labour London Mayors have failed Outer London and Sutton and this one is no better.”