I am delighted that we have started the new year with many excellent campaign wins.
Firstly, from this Sunday (2nd February), contactless payments will finally be rolled out at Sevenoaks, Bat & Ball, Otford, Shoreham, Eynsford, and Dunton Green stations. This is a huge win for local commuters, and after years of campaigning, it’s fantastic to see this come to fruition. The new system will make travelling easier, given the convenience of switching between trains, buses, and the Tube—all with a tap of your card. It’s been a long journey to get here, and I’m thrilled that we’re finally going to see the results. However, I will not rest, as we really need TfL to resolve their technology so that those with railcards can link those to a nominated contactless card, to ensure everyone can benefit. I will keep pushing for this.
We’ve also had great news about the #477 bus service. The six-month trial extension of the route to Bluewater and Darent Valley Hospital has now been extended until the end of May, with additional buses added for the February half-term and Easter—fantastic for families looking to get out and about. The route was incredibly popular in the run-up to Christmas, which is really encouraging, but to secure the service permanently we need one final push. Residents in Crockenhill, Swanley, Hextable, and Wilmington—please do use the bus as much as possible between now and March, particularly for trips to Bluewater and the hospital. The final decision on making the extension permanent will be made in March, and every journey counts!
Finally, this week, the Chancellor announced that Government will work with the private sector to deliver the Lower Thames Crossing. This is welcome news, and I am so pleased that they have listened to the thousands of residents who signed my petition calling for the crossing to be built. However, it’s important to be clear: this is not a “green light” for the development. No approval has been granted, and there remain significant questions about how this critical project will proceed. I will follow up on these in the coming days. I and your local Conservative councillors remain committed to working with anyone who will help deliver the crossing that our community so desperately needs, so that local roads are not snarled up full of traffic. I will continue to scrutinise the Government’s approach and push for action so that the Lower Thames Crossing is delivered in a fair, timely, and effective way.
As always, if there’s anything I can do to support you or any issues you’d like to raise, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected].
Laura Trott
MP for Sevenoaks and SwanleyTo see Laura's newsletter in full click here