The development would involve extending the current Underground line 8km north from its eastern terminus at Epping to provide enhanced infrastructure to support planned housing growth.

Further measures discussed as part of a draft town plan for Harlow include providing a link to the delayed Crossrail 2 scheme and working alongside Hertfordshire and Essex county councils to develop a rapid transit system for the area.

"Seventy four years into Harlow's history, we are facing a crucial juncture with ageing infrastructure and a need for more investment,” said the council’s portfolio holder for regeneration Dan Swords. “We are looking at all possibilities for improving and modernising transport connections in and out of the town and also within Harlow.”

Harlow’s draft town plan is set to be discussed in more detail at a council cabinet meeting in September.

The Hertfordshire to Essex Rapid Transit is a west to east transport proposal designed to relieve traffic congestion and support construction of 100,000 new homes locally over the next 15 years. The plan would see trams run from Hemel Hempstead and Watford in the west through towards Harlow and Stansted Airport in the east. A public engagement exercise is planned for the autumn.

Hertfordshire Growth Board chair Richard Roberts said: “The new public transport system will provide a fast, reliable and convenient way to travel across the county, and support our ambitions to enable all residents to live healthy, fulfilling lives in thriving, prosperous communities.”

Harlow Central Line - (Photograph: R~P~M and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence)

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