THE new Crossrail 2 rail route should be extended further into Surrey to benefit commuters and businesses as far west as Farnham, according to the county council.

Plans for the cross-London line currently take in Shepperton, Epsom, Hampton Court, Chessington South and Surbiton. Surrey County Council has called for it to be extended to Dorking and Woking.

This, says the council, would free up capacity on Surrey’s overloaded commuter trains including the Alton to Waterloo line via Farnham - one of the most overcrowded train services in the country.

Surrey County Council’s deputy leader Peter Martin said: “Crossrail 2 is vital for commuters and businesses – not only will the planned railway reduce overcrowding, it will boost the economy in Surrey, London and way beyond.

"If we can shift more people onto Crossrail 2 we can free up capacity which will bring benefits to people coming in from further afield in Guildford, Haslemere and Farnham.”

Surrey has submitted its report recommending the Crossrail 2 extension to a Transport for London consultation which ended on Friday.