The results of the latest round of consultation for the proposal to construct a new loop line in Croydon Town Centre has been released with over three quarters of those who responded being in support of the line. The extension would leave the current line heading westbound at George Street running along Dingwall Road and then onto Landsdowne Road where a new stop would be constructed. Trams would then rejoin the current line on Wellesley Road enabling them to return east.
379 people responded to the consultation including 12 stakeholders (such as Croydon Council and other local landowners). Of those 289 (76%) said that they supported the scheme in principle with only 54 rejecting the plans outright.
Despite this general support for the scheme one of the more important stakeholders – Croydon Council – responded to the consultation stating they were having to object to the plan at the moment. They have four major concerns with the plan: the quality of the public realm, tram speeds and highway operation, buses (impacts on current bus services which will be dealt with in a separate consultation) and Landsdowne Crossing on Wellesley Road. Although they are continuing to object at this time if and when these issues are resolved it is expected they will approve of the scheme.
The results of the consultation are so positive that Transport for London will now start to develop the plans further so they can apply for Transport and Works Act Order application for powers to construct the loop line. This is expected to be ready for submission in 2016. If all goes according to plan construction would then start in 2017 with services starting in 2019/20.