Launched on 13th July 2026 at The Exchange, Twickenham, MIND THE GAP, CONNECTING SOUTH LONDON sets out the case for transforming transport across Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames, and Sutton. Published by the South London Partnership, it responds to a clear challenge: while the subregion has strong links into Central London, orbital connectivity remains poor, holding back growth, access to jobs, and quality of life for over 1.2 million residents.
The strategy outlines a shared vision built on four priorities: strengthening connections, building a truly integrated transport system, delivering a way forward for Crossrail 2, and creating a network that works for everyone. Together, these set out the investment needed to unlock more than 250,000 new homes and 66,000 jobs by 2041.
Download the full document below to explore the opportunities, the challenges, and the commitments and asks driving this ambition forward.
“South London has the talent and potential to be one of the most productive and innovative parts of the country.
Our boroughs and strategic partners are committed to working together around a shared sense of purpose. But we need investment to realise our ambitions for local people and local businesses. We have the clear vision, we have the partnership to deliver – we now need the backing to make it happen.”
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader, Richmond Council and Chair, South London Partnership
Our Vision
A transport system that connects people and places to opportunity through fast, frequent and seamless journeys across and beyond the subregion. Improved orbital connectivity and capacity will boost local economic growth and prosperity and support polycentric growth across London.
This vision is underpinned by four interconnected priorities:
STRENGTHENING CONNECTIONS
Improving our strategic interchanges across the SLP subregion as a transformation orbital gateways and investing in the network to deliver a metro level rail service.
AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM
A better integrated transport system that enables users to make seamless journeys across modes by improving connectivity to match levels seen in the rest of London.
A CLEAR WAY FORWARD FOR CROSSRAIL 2
End the hiatus and develop a way forward for Crossrail2, identifying early measures that unlock the potential for the subregion.
A TRANSPORT SYSTEM FOR ALL
A fair, inclusive and accessible transport network, that is fit for the future, through which everyone in South London can achieve their potential.
Download the Transport Strategy
“Time and again, our members identify transport connectivity as one of the biggest barriers to growth, investment, and the creation of a thriving, resilient town centre. Improving transport links to and through Kingston would deliver wide-ranging benefits, from enabling businesses to attract and retain talented employees, to encouraging more visitors, supporting tourism, and increasing the number of journeys made by active travel and public transport.
We are wholeheartedly supportive of the South London Partnership’s work to secure greater investment in transport infrastructure across the region to help unlock the innovation, enterprise, and potential that exists across our towns and neighbourhoods.”
Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston First
