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Commons debates Clapham Junction link to east London
Calls for an M25 for rail passengers were taken to the Government last week as Battersea MP Martin Linton laid out the advantages of London Orbital in a Commons debate.
The proposals, already backed by Wandsworth Council and the London Assembly, would connect Clapham Junction with New Cross, by linking the East London Line (ELL) and North London Line. But despite universal acceptance of the benefits of this second phase of the ELL extension, funding has still not been put in place.
In the 90 minute debate Mr Linton said: "For every four commuters travelling into the centre, there are three travelling across London to get to work. Inevitably a higher proportion of cross-London commuters travel by car because there is no public transport.
"The proposed orbital would provide interchanges where commuters coming into London can switch to the orbital route to avoid travelling through the centre. That will be at places such as Clapham Junction, where all the trains will stop and allow people to change to an orbital line instead of going to a London terminus and out again."
The first phase of the ELL extension, costing £1billion, is already underway and is due to be completed in 2010. The second phase would cost £250million, with the Clapham Junction part costing relatively little at £75million.
Mr Linton said: "Phase two is vital because it will link up the orbital route. The mayor thinks it could be ready within three years of the first 2013 if the money is committed in the next spending review."
2:57pm today
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