Oliver has responded to Govia Thameslink’s timetable consultation by calling for more services through Radlett and Elstree & Borehamwood.

He said: ‘Many people have raised with me the frequency of services through local stations and I have made the case for additional services to Govia Thameslink.

‘If you have not already responded, this is your final chance to press for more services as well. I urge everyone who relies on the trains to respond to the consultation before it closes on Thursday evening.’

Govia Thameslink outlined their plans for a new timetable in 2018, which will be introduced as the Thameslink 2000 programme is complete.

The proposals include one additional service per hour through Radlett and Elstree & Borehamwood but Mr Dowden was keen to see more services to meet a forecast growth in passenger demand.

He added: ‘I know the service provided by Govia Thameslink has been exceptionally poor recently, causing all of us unacceptable disruption to our personal and professional lives.

The consultation is available via Govia Thameslink’s website and responses should be completed by Thursday 8 December 2016. Question 15 addresses the frequency of trains.

He said: ‘I am pleased the consultation proposes the introduction of a new semi fast service through Radlett and Elstree & Borehamwood.  While this is welcome, it is imperative that the new timetable takes account of the local growth in passenger numbers and population size.

‘It is clear that existing pressures on capacity will be exacerbated in the forthcoming years as the population is set to grow; by a fifth in Elstree and Borehamwood for example.  Further, the number of new businesses has increased by 400 per cent from 2013 to 2015 compared to the previous three year period.  This alone will, undoubtedly, put additional pressure on capacity.

‘It is essential the new timetable will match this forecast growth and provide a service that allows businesses to succeed and gives passengers fast and frequent services to London.’