Croydon and Gatwick urge action on Brighton Main Line bottleneck

Croydon mayor Jason Perry and Gatwick Airport chief executive Pierre-Hugues Schmit have called for a major rail upgrade to ease the East Croydon bottleneck. They argue that constrained capacity on the Brighton Main Line is limiting investment and employment along the Thameslink corridor as Gatwick prepares for a second runway.

Their joint letter asks the chancellor to prioritise the Croydon Area Remodelling Scheme, or CARS. First proposed in 2020 and subsequently put on hold, the scheme would address junctions where routes from London Bridge and London Victoria converge with the Brighton Main Line. The letter is a request for backing, not confirmation that funding or construction has been approved.

Perry has linked rail reliability to his ambition for Croydon to become a business-events destination and a stronger centre for nightlife, hotels and restaurants by 2040. He also wants a conference and events venue. He says these plans depend on securing government support for the rail scheme.

Schmit said disruption at the junction could spread from Brighton to Bedford, affecting commuters, customers and staff. Local authorities on the Thameslink route and Croydon East MP Natasha Irons support the call to address capacity before the airport's future growth adds further pressure.

The Department for Transport said it recognised the route's constraints and that Network Rail was exploring further options. It pointed to £250 million already invested in Gatwick Airport station, together with track and signalling enhancements. That existing investment is separate from the renewed request to revive CARS.