South London Partnership (SLP) has written to Transport for London (TfL) to voice its support of the Sutton Link, which will provide a new, quicker transport link between Sutton and Merton.
This is one of our major infrastructure priorities and is vital to improving connectivity both on commuting lines and through links to the wider suburban rail network, which will be critical in achieving our economic and housing aspirations. It also creates the opportunity, if extended beyond Sutton Town Centre, to help unlock the huge economic potential of the London Cancer Hub: an international asset that will create 13,000 jobs over the next 25 years.
The Sutton Link will play a crucial role in connecting some of South London’s key town centres, and will help to make public transport a more attractive option that residents can rely on as an alternative to cars, which contribute to congestion and air pollution in South London.
It is essential that transport links between Sutton and Merton are improved. Extending the tram network to Sutton has been a priority of Sutton and Merton Councils for over 20 years and all of the route options being explored could be delivered as an extension to the existing London Trams network. On top of enabling South London to deliver new homes and jobs, the Sutton Link also improves public transport access for some of London’s poorest connected areas.
SLP supports the exploration of new technologies to deliver improvements to bus services. However, we believe we can only achieve our economic and housing goals if the Sutton Link is delivered as a tram extension. The existing London Trams network is a unique asset within South London and since the existing route opened in 2000 it has significantly improved transport connectivity across the sub-region.
We strongly support the commitment in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy to exploring opportunities for the tram network to extend to Sutton and potentially beyond. It will be critical for the London Boroughs of Sutton and Merton and TfL to work together to identify sources of funding to ensure the timely delivery of the Sutton Link.
More information on the Sutton Link consultation (deadline: 6 January) can be found at the below website: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/trams/sutton-link/
SLP Sutton Link consultation response letter