Do you oppose the introduction of stops on the Gatwick Express?

A new threat to the Gatwick Express

 

There is a recommendation in the published London & South East Rail Utilisation Strategy to introduce a stop at Clapham Junction in peak hours.

 

If you oppose this you might like to write to the Minister of State, the Rail Regulator &/or Network Rail, but it needs to be received by Friday (tomorrow).  Sorry for the short notice but this only came to my attention yesterday! 

 

If you only have time to do one thing, please e-mail your objection to Richard Price, DG of the Office of Rail Regulation - contact.cct@orr.gsi.gov.uk 

Suggested text is included below along with addresses for the Minister, Regulator & Network Rail.

 

Suggested Text 

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Dear xxx

 

We have noted the publication of the final Network Rail London and South East RUS, published on 28th July.

 

We are dismayed to see that on pages 15 and 86 it is recommended that stops at Clapham Junction are inserted in peak hour Gatwick Express services.

 

The RUS has correctly identified, on page 42, that aviation stakeholders do not support this stop. But the report fails to acknowledge that the majority of business users are also in opposition to the introduction of stops. In fact, a large number of business stakeholders have objected on many occasions to the introduction of stops at Clapham Junction and yet this important group of stakeholders have been ignored.

 

Furthermore, many non-aviation business stakeholders have also opposed the introduction of gates at Victoria and Gatwick and have commented on the general decline in suitability and quality of the Rolling Stock, yet these comments have been ignored.

 

In addition, Southern Rail has a commitment, through the franchise contract, to maintain a dedicated, non stop Gatwick Express service between Gatwick Airport and London Victoria and so the introduction of stops would conflict with this contractual commitment.

 

We would urge you in the strongest possible terms to listen to the views of the entire business community and to maintain the non-stop service operated by the Gatwick Express.

 

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Addresses:

The Rt Hon Theresa Villiers, MP

Minister of State for Transport

Department for Transport

Great Minster House

76 Marsham Street

London

SW1P 4DR

 

Paul Plummer

Group Strategy Director

Network Rail

Kings Place

90 York Way

London

N1 9AG

 

Richard Price

Director General

The Office of Rail Regulation

One, Kemple Street

London

WC2B 4AN