New Rail Link to Heathrow Mooted

2.20.16pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 29th Sep 2003

A new direct link from South West London and the surrounding country areas to Heathrow via Staines - Airtrack - has been mooted by a consortium of organisations including local councils (represented by SWELTRAC, the South West London Transport Conference) and a £140,000 feasibility study has been launched to be carried out by consultants W S Atkins. After the study it is expected there will be a bid to the Strategic Rail Authority (ie the government) for funds next year.

Vincent Cable MP said: "Terminal 5 is going ahead for better or worse and if the fears many of us have of greatly increased road congestion in South West London are to be avoided there has to be a better commitment to better rail services. If Airtrack stops in Twickenham and if it does not displace commuter services it would be a major gain and I would welcome it".