A Labour politician has opposed TfL’s plans for a new Overground route through West London after the proposal revealed three level crossings in Acton could be closed.
The West London Orbital (WLO) would run from Hounslow to Hendon, with three new stations designed to improve connections between outer areas of the capital.
However, the increased number of trains on the proposed route could lead to the closure of three level crossings in South and Central Acton, causing congestion and longer journey times for drivers.
Bassam Mahfouz, a local Labour politician in Ealing, has launched an online campaign and petition against the proposed closures.
Mahfouz said: “Better transport links must not come at the expense of existing connections.
“This could have a significant impact on pedestrians, cyclists and drivers, who may face long detours with no convenient alternative routes.
“The West London Orbital should enhance connectivity and accessibility, not reduce it.”
According to TfL, the route would support an estimated 11,500 new jobs, deliver more than 25,000 new homes and improve air quality by avoiding 650,000 car journeys a year.
The line is also expected to make journeys between outer areas of West London more efficient by reducing the need to change trains in central London.
Zoe Byrne, a 21-year-old living in South Acton, said: “Better transport links always make a difference, and always a positive one.
“Public transport being affordable, frequent and reliable is so crucial to young people who don’t have access to their own cars or other methods of travel.”
West London’s population has increased by 7.2% over the last decade, in line with the UK as a whole, highlighting a growing demand for transport links.
The current estimated cost of the project is between £800million and £900million.
The Elizabeth line, the last major Tube line to open in London, was projected to cost £15 billion but exceeded its budget by nearly £3billion.
TfL is holding an eight-week public consultation, closing on 18 November, to learn how the plans may impact London travellers.
Featured image credit: Robin Stott
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