David Lepper

Labour Party | Brighton Pavilion

David Lepper in ‘let the trains stop’ call

6th May 2009

David Lepper, Brighton Pavilion Labour and Co-operative MP, has written to Secretary of State for Transport Geoff Hoon asking him to help Brighton commuters who work in south London disadvantaged by last December’s timetable changes on the Brighton to London line.

David says:

“When it was announced in the summer of 2007 that from late 2008 many Gatwick Express trains from Victoria would run all the way to Brighton this was welcomed by most people because it would relieve congestion and provide more seats for those travelling, particularly at peak times morning and evening.

“But since the new timetable was announced towards the end of last year I have received more complaints from regular travellers than at any time in my 12 years as an MP.

“The problem is that the Route Utilsation Strategy decided by the Department for Transport requires all Gatwick Express trains to run non-stop between Gatwick and Victoria.

“Many commuters who work in south London and who in the past could change at East Croydon or Clapham Junction now face changing onto already crowded trains at Haywards Heath or travelling all the way to Victoria and picking up another south-bound train there.

“What should have been an improved service has been seen by many regular commuters as a worsening service, making their journeys longer or more uncomfortable.”

David Lepper adds:

“I have been lobbying Southern trains about this since last November and have met with Brighton Line Commuters – of which I am a member.

“It is clear that progress will only be made if the Secretary of State is willing to alter the route utilisation strategy and allow some peak time Gatwick Express trains to stop at East Croydon and Clapham Junction.

“Southern has shown it is willing to attempt to be flexible by reinstating one service from Brighton to London Bridge in the morning rush hour following public consultation.

“I believe that with a bit of creative thinking and flexibility on the part of the Department a solution can be found.”