ESSEX County Council (ECC) has submitted a formal response to Transport for London’s consultation on Crossrail 2, expressing strong support for the scheme and the economic benefits that it could bring to Essex.

Crossrail 2 would create a new high-frequency rail line running between south west and north east London. ECC recognises the potential that this scheme has to provide significant economic benefit to communities in West Essex, supporting its own ambitious growth and regeneration plans for Harlow, as well as providing vital support to increasingly ambitious Stansted Airport.

ECC has expressed support for the Regional Option for Crossrail 2, which would connect central London with areas to the north east and south west.

In support of this stance ECC believes that Crossrail 2 should be developed within a wider framework that also delivers faster and more frequent services from west Essex and Stansted Airport to London, alongside a frequent service for north London. The scheme also provides an opportunity to examine the provision of fast and convenient rail services between Stansted and other London airports. It is therefore ECC’s view that Crossrail 2 is entirely dependent on the delivery of the Lea Valley 4-track proposal between Coppermill Junction and Broxbourne.

ECC believes that 4-tracking the West Anglia mainline towards Stansted would allow for existing and enhanced fast suburban services to deliver for the communities of West Essex and Hertfordshire, whilst visitors and passengers accessing Stansted should be supported with an enhanced fast express service to and from central London.

ECC’s consultation expresses the view that Crossrail 2 has the potential to improve connectivity for Essex residents, with enhanced interchange opportunities at Tottenham Hale and Hackney. This would help to relieve congestion at Liverpool Street, providing much needed capacity for outer-suburban and express services. ECC is also calling for appropriate investment in the Central Line, in order to address capacity and frequency issues, and to enhance the level of service offered to commuters from the Epping Forest area.

County Councillor Rodney L Bass, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation said: “We welcome the opportunity to respond to Transport for London’s consultation on the Crossrail 2 project. Essex County Council strongly supports the regional option for Crossrail 2, and we recognise the opportunities that this scheme presents for aiding economic growth in the west of the county. There are number of areas that must be looked at closely to ensure that this scheme realises its full potential, and we look forward to working closely with Transport for London and other partners as this scheme develops.”