Wandsworth Council calls for Gatwick rail services to stop at Balham
In order to provide more transport options for residents in the borough and in nearby areas of London, Wandsworth Council is calling for Gatwick Express rail services to stop at Balham station.
Councillors believe the move would enable passengers to avoid congestion at Victoria where the service starts, while also reducing journey times for those who live in Balham and Tooting.
In addition, a Balham stop for the service would create a link with the Gatwick Express at the Northern Line on the London Underground. At present the service is only connected to the Victoria and the Circle and District Lines via Victoria Station.
Wandsworth Council has proposed the new timetable change in its response to the Department for Transport's consultation plans to combine the Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern rail franchise.
The Gatwick Express currently travels directly between London Victoria and Gatwick Airport, with a journey time of just 30 minutes. Trains depart every 15 minutes.
Passengers living in Balham and other areas along the Northern Line have to travel into Central London before they can board the service. Similarly, when leaving Gatwick Airport, they must arrive at Victoria before making their way south again.
"Improving access to Gatwick has to be a top priority for the government as it considers major changes to the way the rail system is managed across London and the south of England," said Wandsworth Council's transport spokesman Russell King.
"Introducing a stop at Balham is a simple, inexpensive and common sense step. It would ease congestion at some of London's busiest stations, provide a shortcut to the airport for South Londoners and create a vital new link to the Northern Line."
As well as benefitting those who already live in the area, the local authority's proposals could also make property to rent in Balham more attractive to those considering settling in Wandsworth.
As well as the Balham stop, Wandsworth Council would also like to see a stop at Clapham Junction, which is a major interchange hub for South Londoners.
Posted by Martyn Glynn
Published 31st August, 2012
© 2012 Estates IT Limited
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Councillors want some services from central London to the airport to stop at Balham station on their way through