Crispin Blunt

Conservative Party | Reigate

Crispin Blunt welcomes proposals to free up railways

Local MP calls for more services for Redhill

Crispin Blunt, MP for Reigate, has signed an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons which welcomes proposals to discontinue the Gatwick Express with more commuter services. The wording of the motion is as follows:

“That this House welcomes proposals to replace the Gatwick Express so as to free up much needed track space for the more heavily used commuter trains to Victoria from the south coast and from within Greater London.”

In December last year Crispin Blunt submitted his views to the Brighton Mainline Utilisation Strategy consultation. Of the options presented Mr Blunt advocated those which would see the Gatwick Express discontinued. Speaking earlier today Mr Blunt said:

“It is clear that the Gatwick Express is taking up too much of the line between London and Brighton. I know that all of the options have drawbacks. However, it is clear that “no-change” is the worst option. The Gatwick Express hogs the line between Brighton and London leaving those of constituents using stations between Coulsdon South and Horley, including Redhill, having to wait longer and for slower trains. Although there will be some who would prefer the Gatwick Express to remain as it is, it should be remembered that there are no plans which do not include a regular fast service to Gatwick.”

The Government’s consultation closed on 22nd December and responses are currently being considered by ministers.