Tuesday 19 March 2024

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has expressed its support for the proposed extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead.

In evidence submitted to Transport for London (TfL), LCCI backed the proposed extension of the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead to boost local businesses and unlock additional housing capacity through providing a reliable public transport connection for future residents. In its evidence, LCCI noted that the extended network will also benefit both existing and new businesses in Greenwich, Newham and Bexley, which will have access to quicker travel across London.

LCCI’s submission noted that necessary space should be included in the extension to allow the DLR to continue beyond Thamesmead and Beckton, including towards Havering, Barking & Dagenham, Beam Reach and Rainham. This would help unlock further potential housing supply and support the aims of the Mayor of London and TfL to encourage Londoners onto more sustainable modes of transport.

In light of a difficult few years, LCCI welcomes TfL and the Mayor’s planned investment in new travel routes in South and East London, as part of a wider and continued need to improve transport coverage across all boroughs of the city. Central Government must offer maintained support for transport investment in London, to improve links further into outer boroughs and advance ease of travel for businesses, workers and local residents alike.

Commenting on the consultation, James Watkins, Head of Policy and Public Impact at the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said: 

"We wholeheartedly support the proposed extension of the DLR to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, as it is critical for enabling better connectivity for business and residents in South and East London. Investment in the extension will also unlock additional housing capacity in these areas, and will attract future residents.

“However, this should not be the end of the DLR’s extension – we now need to see strong collaboration between TfL and Central Government to ensure the line reaches London’s outer boroughs, including Barking & Dagenham and Havering. This will support key sectors of employment in these boroughs, and signal commitment to providing sustainable and efficient travel for all Londoners for the future.”

Read LCCI’s full response to the DLR extension to Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead consultation.