A quick glance at Transport for London’s (TfL) Underground map and you can see the dramatic difference between the network north and south of the river.

In the north the underground network stretches as far as zones 8 or 9 while the most southern Tube stop is Morden on the Northern line, in Zone 4. With more than 10 million people set to be living in London by 2030, many of whom will be finding homes in new-opportunity areas such as Elephant and Castle, we need to ensure our transport infrastructure is ready.

Now is the time to push for change. At Southwark council we have joined forces with Lewisham to back the Mayor’s commitment to extending the Bakerloo line to support existing and future communities and businesses by dramatically improving transport links. The extension will also provide thousands of new homes in Southwark and Lewisham, including affordable homes.

The current estimated cost of the Bakerloo line extension is £3.1 billion. Regional benefits would include increased connections from other routes and reducing the need to interchange from the Overground (East London line) to central London at New Cross Gate.

Growth in London and the South-East is putting pressure on existing rail services into London and existing projects will not fully meet demand.

I’m backing the Bakerloo because the extension will make a huge difference to people living and working in Old Kent Road, as well as bringing wider benefits to London.

There will be a new town centre along one of London’s most famous thoroughfares — the Old Kent Road — and the extension is key to delivering more affordable homes, jobs and services to this part of London and opening up opportunities for people across the city.

Transport for London has set out plans to extend the Tube line from Elephant and Castle to Lewisham via Old Kent Road and New Cross Gate. A further extension of the Bakerloo line beyond Lewisham has also been proposed, which could potentially bring the tube to Ladywell, Catford and Lower Sydenham.

TfL has carried out a number of consultations on the Bakerloo line extension and thousands of people have responded, overwhelmingly in support.

Southwark and Lewisham Councils are working with the Mayor and TfL to build a strong case for the Bakerloo line extension. If central government approves plans for the extension and the funding needed is secured, construction could begin in 2023.