Crossrail 2 has moved a step closer to reality after a 'productive meeting' between the Mayor of London and Transport Secretary.

The Government has backed the £30billion project, which would run through Kingston, provided that it is ‘fair to UK tax payers’ and ‘plans are as strong as possible’.

Transport Secretary Mr Grayling’s call for fresh public consultation on Crossrail 2, following a ‘successful outcome’ on funding plans, was met with relief by the Mayor Sadiq Khan who believes it is essential ‘for the future prosperity’ of the capital.

How the project, a proposed rail route from Surrey to central London, will be funded was top of the agenda.

Mr Grayling said: “I am a supporter of Crossrail 2 but given its price tag we have to ensure that we get this right.

“The Mayor and I have agreed to work together on it over the coming months to develop plans that are as strong as possible, so that the public gets an affordable scheme that is fair to the UK taxpayer.

“Following a successful outcome being reached I am keen to launch a fresh public consultation to help gather views to improve the scheme and clarify the position around the safeguarded route.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “Crossrail 2 is essential for the future prosperity of London and the south east, so I’m pleased that the Transport Secretary and I have reached an agreement to take this vital project forward.

“We will continue to work together to ensure the project is value for money and provides the maximum benefits for jobs and growth in the region over the coming decades. I look forward to moving to the next stage of consultation.”

Mr Khan and Mr Grayling agreed to examine ways to improve affordability while retaining the benefits of the scheme, learning lessons from Crossrail 1, before the Budget this autumn.

Kingston and Surbiton MP Sir Ed Davey said: “I’m a huge supporter of Crossrail 2, and it’s great news if we are moving forward. But we need a decision and the election has clearly delayed that.

“The worry must be that the Chancellor and the Treasury are not going to back it."

The latest route plans include 10 stations across Kingston borough: Kingston, Norbiton, New Malden, Surbiton, Thames Ditton, Malden Manor, Tolworth, Chessington North and Chessington South.

Mr Davey added: “Overall it looks like a very good deal for commuters, but of course it’s 15 years away or more. We need to look at options for the next year, two years, five years, even ten years.

“It’s an exciting project, but we have also got to make sure that we are improving services for commuters today.”