Twickenham and Whitton stations have been left out of Transport for London’s (TfL) West London Orbital proposals, a move that has drawn criticism from local councillors.
The West London Orbital is a planned new overground line intended to link Hendon and Hounslow, connecting to major hubs like Old Oak Common for Elizabeth line and HS2 services.
Councillor Dr James Chard raised the issue as a ward concern at a Richmond upon Thames Transport and Air Quality Committee meeting, highlighting the limitations of TfL’s plans. He argued that the existing lines beyond Hounslow could be upgraded to include Whitton and Twickenham stations.
He said leaving out these stations would limit job opportunities, housing and business development, and fail to address capacity issues, particularly for Twickenham Stadium events. Councillor Chard also pointed out that extending the service to Twickenham would benefit residents of the Ivy Bridge estate in Hounslow, whose nearest station is Twickenham.
Concerns were also raised about the sub-regional structure of London's transport planning, suggesting that a focus on the West London group of councils may have led to an oversight of adjacent authorities like Richmond upon Thames, which is part of a South London partnership.
In response, the committee noted that the council is preparing a response to the TfL consultation, which will support the extension of the proposed route to Whitton and Twickenham. The council's response will call on TfL to conduct further feasibility studies rather than ruling out the stations at this stage.
The committee chair suggested writing to Ruth Cadbury MP and the West London sub-regional authority to make them aware of the council's concerns.
