Chipping Barnet MP Launches Campaign Backing London Overground Expansion to New Barnet

Chipping Barnet MP Dan Tomlinson has launched a new public petition supporting Transport for London’s proposal to extend the London Overground network to include Great Northern services between Moorgate, Welwyn Garden City, and Hertford North.

The campaign aims to build support for increased train frequencies and improved connectivity across a number of stations in north London and Hertfordshire, including New Barnet, Oakleigh Park, Hadley Wood, Potters Bar, Brookmans Park, and New Southgate.

Under TfL’s proposals, the transfer of the services into the London Overground network could allow off-peak train frequencies to double from two to four trains per hour.

Tomlinson said current service levels for passengers travelling into London from stations such as New Barnet and Oakleigh Park are insufficient and argued that integration into the London Overground system could deliver more reliable and frequent services for local communities.

The petition follows TfL’s submission of a formal business case to the Department for Transport last year seeking control of the Great Northern inner suburban services currently operated by Govia Thameslink Railway.

With Govia Thameslink now under public ownership, the possibility of transferring operational responsibility to London Overground has become increasingly realistic.

The proposal forms part of TfL’s wider ambition to expand the Overground network and apply its operational model — which has focused heavily on service frequency, station staffing, branding, accessibility, and integrated ticketing — to additional suburban rail routes around the capital.

TfL estimates the initial transfer and upgrade programme could cost approximately £47 million, although costs could rise further depending on future station improvements, including proposals linked to the planned development of Crews Hill.

More extensive service enhancements would require additional infrastructure investment. TfL has estimated that increasing off-peak frequencies to four trains per hour could require around £239 million, while more ambitious peak and off-peak service increases could push costs above £300 million.

Tomlinson, who previously campaigned against proposed ticket office closures at local stations before becoming MP, said improving rail services remains a major issue for residents across the constituency.

His earlier campaign formed part of wider national opposition to station ticket office closures, which generated significant public response and ultimately contributed to the government stepping back from the proposals.

The latest campaign has also received support from local councillors, transport campaigners, and London’s Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance.

TfL is continuing to refine its business case for the proposed takeover and service improvements, with discussions ongoing between City Hall and the Department for Transport.

If approved, the move would represent another significant expansion of the London Overground network, which has grown substantially over the past two decades and become a key part of suburban rail travel across the capital.

Supporters of the proposal argue that transferring the services to London Overground could improve reliability, frequency, and passenger experience while delivering stronger integration with the wider London transport network.

The proposal also reflects broader discussions around rail devolution, public ownership, and the future structure of suburban rail services in and around London as the rail sector continues to undergo wider reform.