Crossrail 2 must not be sidelined by the next Government, London transport commentators have warned after the Conservative Party failed to mention the scheme in its election manifesto.

 

The project is conspicuous by its absence from the document, which launched on Friday and includes commitments to High Speed 2, Northern Powerhouse Rail and the expansion of Heathrow.

 

This comes after Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond’s spring Budget also lacked support for the proposed metro scheme linking north east with south west London.

 

The £30Bn project is seen by many including the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan as key to unlocking future economic growth in the capital and ensuring its transport network is able to cope with expected demand.

 

The Mayor said: “The Tories have refused to commit to delivering Crossrail 2 and other vital infrastructure projects in London. Over half the cost of Crossrail 2 can be met through London funding streams, but we need the next Government to meet the other half – something that Labour, unlike the Tories, is 100% behind.”

 

Also commenting on the Conservative manifesto the Civil Engineering Contractors Association welcomed the party’s commitment to existing strategic infrastructure investments.

 

But the group’s director of external affairs Marie-Claude Hemming added: “At the same time we believe there is scope for the Prime Minister to do more to provide clarity on major projects that are not named in the manifesto, such as Crossrail 2.”

 

London Chamber of Commerce & Industry chief executive Colin Stanbridge said: “Crossrail 2 is of critical importance to increase capacity and provide faster journeys and to unlock land for new homes across London. We believe it is vital that the next Government gives a firm commitment to Crossrail 2 for the benefit of not only London’s economy but the rest of the UK.”

 

Campaign group London First’s infrastructure director added: “The need for Crossrail 2 to keep London and the South East moving is clear: nearly five million people travel by Tube and train each day and, as London’s population grows to 10 million by 2030, its transport network will be full.”

 

Railway Industry Association chief executive Darren Caplan also agreed that the project should be given the green light. He said: “The rail industry is ready to rise to the challenge of this enormous infrastructure project but we need an urgent clarification and clear commitment to Crossrail 2 from the next Government, once it is elected.” 

 

Commitments in the Conservative Party’s manifesto largely match with existing policies including development of the strategic road network, investment in electric vehicle technology and improving railway capacity.

 

The party also pledges to double the ‘Immigration Skills Charge’ levied on companies employing migrant workers to £2000 a year by the end of the next Parliament, using the revenue generated to invest in training for workers in the UK.

 

(Image: Crossrail 2)