It is nearly one year since I had the honour of being elected MP for Sevenoaks, and I do not think anyone could have quite predicted last December, the challenges this year would bring.
We continue to battle the COVID-19 virus, and I thank everyone for their continued efforts which have brought down the levels of infection in our area. But today, I want to use my column to share an important update on an election pledge I made. The Maidstone East fast line, which was first promised in 2018 and will pass through the Otford and Swanley stations, has been continually delayed; at the election I promised to help speed things up and I have been in constant communication with the Department of Transport about doing so.
While for many of you, the daily commute is currently on pause, the importance of this line cannot be underestimated. Many people have bought homes and moved business nearby to take advantage of this faster and more frequent rail connection with London. And, the continued delay in delivery is disrupting vital links for employment, education and tourism.
I appreciate transport infrastructure projects are never straightforward, and in this case, there are a number of issues such as timetabling and lack of rolling stock – however, I firmly believe we must be able to be overcome these challenges if all involved work together.
At the start of the year, I wrote a joint letter alongside Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling, to the CEO of Network Rail and met with the CEO of Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR), Patrick Verwer. In the last month we have also spoken with the Managing Director of GTR, Tom Moran. We expressed clearly our disappointment regarding the delays to this service, and demanded both outline the work they are doing to resolve the outstanding issues. While discussions are ongoing, both have been unable to provide an estimated date for the commencement of this service. Given it is already two years late, this is simply not acceptable.
When I raised the issue at Prime Minister’s Questions earlier this year, the Prime Minister reconfirmed that the Government is committed to delivering vital rail infrastructure improvements, such as the Maidstone East fast service. However, still progress remains at a standstill.
In a further bid to get things moving, I have arranged for the Rail Minister, Chris Heaton Harris MP, to attend a virtual public meeting with residents. The meeting will be held virtually on Monday 14th December, at 5.30pm. It will provide an opportunity for us to hear from the Rail Minister on what is causing the delays to the project, as well as allow you to put questions to him. If you are interested in attending, please visit my website https://www.lauratrott.org.uk/ where you will find more details on how to register.
Commuters across Sevenoaks already pay some of the highest train fares in the South East, and deserve better value for money that what they currently receive. I will continue to campaign for this long-promised service, and I hope to see many of you on the 14th.
