On Thursday 12th October, MPs Richard Harrington and David Gauke met with London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Deputy Mayor for Transport Val Shawcross and Transport Commissioner Mike Brown to discuss the future of the Metropolitan Line Extension.
In 2015, Richard Harrington, Member of Parliament for Watford, secured £109m of Government funding for the Met Line Extension, which looks to connect the Metropolitan Line up to several stations in Watford. Last year, TfL took over the management of the project and have begun design and utilities work, however Mr Khan has said that more funding is needed to deliver the project.
At the meeting, that all sides have described as constructive, Richard Harrington MP reiterated the offer from the Department for Transport to let TfL take over responsibility for the track which would lead to additional funding for the project, at no further cost to the public purse. Mr Harrington and Mr Gauke highlighted that this project also has the capacity to generate significant private investment which would help to bridge the funding gap.
Mr Gauke and Mr Harrington will now work with the Department for Transport and London’s Transport Commissioner to explore additional funding options. These could include contributions from developers who would benefit from the new line. Further meetings will be arranged to that end.
Watford MP, Richard Harrington, who arranged the meeting, said:
“I’m pleased that the London Mayor has recommitted to the project and shown willingness to work together on this.
We had a constructive meeting and agreed a way forward. There’s a lot more work to be done but it’s clear that there is support on all sides to make sure this happens. I look forward to working with the London Mayor, and breaking ground on this.”
David Gauke, Member of Parliament for South West Hertfordshire, said:
'Our meeting was constructive and there is a willingness on all sides to find a way forward for the Metropolitan Line Extension. There is much work to be done but I was encouraged by our discussions.'