January 22 2015.


The rail proposal which would see a second rail main line run from Sussex to London and would provide faster direct rail services from Lewes station and new direct rail routes to London from stations such as Seaford, Newhaven and Falmer was presented to the Rail Minister Claire Perry MP when she visited Lewes this week.

The Rail Minister heard from the BML2 team how the current Brighton Main Line is at capacity with the Sussex Route being one of the main commuter routes in the south of England, carrying up to 60,000 people at peak hour alone into the Central London each morning. A second rail main line would not just increase rail capacity to London but would open up rail links across Sussex.

Maria Caulfield, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Lewes said after the presentation: “The Rail Minister saw the huge benefits that a second rail main line would bring to the local area and the local economy. It is clear that if anything were to happen to the current mainline in terms of engineering works, incidents or bad weather that there is currently no alternative route to and from London. Opening up the Lewes-Uckfield line as part of this project would mean that a second rail main line could be installed with minimal disruption.”

Brian Hart, project manager of BML2 said: “Rail travel on the Uckfield and Brighton lines have become hugely popular, but high demand has already out-paced capacity on both lines. Sussex desperately needs more trains and services into London, as well as a far more robust and comprehensive network joining neighbouring counties. For the last two weeks commuters, residents, and visitors have suffered severe delays and disruption along the Uckfield line.

"BML2 is uniquely placed to transforming and renewing the Uckfield line’s former connections between the Sussex Coast and London. This is a project which secures the region’s future prosperity, whilst protecting its precious environment. We are therefore delighted to welcome the Rail Minister to Lewes to fully consider BML2."

For more information on this scheme visit www.bml2.co.uk


Pictured above: Maria Caulfield with Rail Minister Claire Perry MP and Brian Hart and other members of the BML2 team