Theresa May has emphasised the need for sufficient car parking spaces at Maidenhead and Twyford station ahead of the introduction of Crossrail in 2019. Theresa has met the Chief Executive of Crossrail to discuss the progress of the project, and used the meeting to discuss plans for the local area including the need for sufficient parking spaces for commuters. She also reiterated her strong view on the need for fast and semi-fast GWR services to be protected once Crossrail comes into operation.
The Chief Executive, Andrew Wolstenholme, presented an update on Crossrail construction including the works underway at Maidenhead Station and the electrification of the train line. Theresa conveyed residents’ concerns about car parking at both Maidenhead and Twyford and the need to ensure that the infrastructure can cope with increased demand. Theresa asked for further information about the ‘urban realm’ plans at Maidenhead and said that there was a need for sufficient space to allow people to drop-off and pick-up people from the station.
There is also a need for increased capacity at Twyford Station car park, where parking is already a problem due to the high demand for places. Theresa has discussed this with GWR, who are responsible for managing the station, and Wokingham Borough Council, and she is supporting efforts to find a solution to allow capacity to be increased.
Theresa has asked Crossrail to provide projections of expected passenger numbers so that these issues can be better analysed.
Commenting, Theresa said: “It is good news that Crossrail remains on schedule and I am looking forward to it coming to Maidenhead and Twyford. So that we make the most of Crossrail, we must ensure that there is proper planning for the future of Maidenhead and Twyford stations so they can cope with the passenger numbers. I am pleased that Maidenhead station is being improved and I want to make sure that we get the details right.”
“At Twyford there is already a need for increased car parking capacity and I am working with GWR and Wokingham Borough Council to help find a solution. Crossrail will bring benefits to Twyford but it is vital that we have the infrastructure to support it.”
