Monday 13th July 2026 – The Exchange, Twickenham
Gathered at The Exchange in Twickenham, Richmond upon Thames were leading figures in South London’s transport sector. They were here for the release of the Transport Strategy for South London, published by the South London Partnership, and to discuss the coming challenges and opportunities in its implementation.
The SLP’s Integration Hub attended to capture the Transport Strategy’s key points and the surrounding discussion of next steps.
The event began with an introduction by Sally Crew of the SLP, highlighting the relevance of the strategy. Transport planning is not an exact science and as work is done, context transforms and new challenges always arrive. Transport, however, determines many factors of residents’ lives as well as the shape of the economy at large, making it crucial that efforts to coordinate transport development take place.
Sally reflected on progress since the launch of the Growth Ambitions Statement a year ago. With a predicted 66 thousand additional jobs predicted by 2041, and less transport investment in South London compared to other parts, the case for better connectivity is stronger than ever. 4 out of 5 residents complained about bus routes in the subregion, underscoring the room for improvement.
This improvement was detailed as Sally concluded the introduction: increased rail services, a more integrated bus and cycling network and decisive delivery of Crossrail 2, all while maintaining the fairness, accessibility and sustainability transport network for residents.
The Panel
At the core of the event was the panel of experts, hosted by Cllr Barry Lewis of Sutton:
– Catherine Seaborn from Transport for London
– Kirsten Henly from Kingston First BID
– Paula Haustead from Network Rail
Question: What is South London’s biggest transport challenge?
Paula: The rail system is constrained by lack of investment.
Kirsten: Residents judge transport by whether they got to destination on time, in an affordable and enjoyable way.
Catherine: South London is an already highly developed area, finding space for growth and improving connectivity is difficult as a result.
Question: How will the Transport Strategy be used moving forward?
Paula: It’s useful to have something to steer by, rail investment may be needed in adjacent areas to unlock local potential, the strategy will help identify those opportunities.
Catherine: Sectors will need to pool together to gather the necessary funding, the strategy can direct TfL activity in South London.
Question: How can we better align our priorities?
Paula: Having an honest conversation about the challenges and drivers of development. Local political stability and consensus around this topic is helpful. The best way to support the suburban network is with Crossrail 2, as nothing else can fulfil the capacity requirements. The project is currently under review, hopefully not destined to the same fate as Crossrail 1, which stumbled in part due to insecure political support. While the first project was well supported by the business community, the current economy is less favourable.
Conclusion
Much was discussed during this event, from Crossrail to cycling culture, it all had to do with improving the South London transport network. With the Transport Strategy laid out, complete with four key goals as well as the accompanying commitments and asks, there is now a competitive and clear vision for transport in South London.
> Read the Transport Strategy here
