If there’s one thing that unites Londoners, it’s their love of a new rail line and it’s great to see that 32 London boroughs have backed the Bakerloo line extension.
It’s difficult to know how much influence the London Councils group wields, and whether it’s enough to persuade the government to give Transport for London (TfL) the billions of pounds needed to get the project track. Although mainly controlled by Labour councils, there are also seven Tory boroughs and three run by the Liberal Democrats. So this cross-party display of support for the Bakerloo line should surely count for something.
This is especially true given that issues surrounding TfL funding have been so heavily politicised in recent years. Consider, Tory MPs’ accusations that Labour Mayor Sadiq Khan was “bluffing” over threats to slash bus services last year.
And it’s not just words. Work is taking place behind the scenes that suggest the ball is rolling. Tunnel design work has restarted and TfL are busy awarding contracts relating to the project.
The success of Old Kent Road’s regeneration hinges on the extension. So this groundswell of support is hugely exciting for Southwark and, evidently, the whole of London.
Every single London borough backs the Bakerloo line extension
