Conflict over plans to extend Gatwick Express

A bitter row broke out today over plans to expand the dedicated Gatwick Express rail service - operated by airport owner BAA - for use by London rail commuters.

The Strategic Rail Authority wants the Express to stop at East Croydon and extend to the Sussex coast to help commuters using the overcrowded Brighton line.

BAA attacked the plan saying it would prove a "disaster" for air passengers. BAA says trains during peak periods would be too crowded for airport users to board. It said another major disadvantage was that the Express would lose its designated platforms at Victoria and Gatwick Airport station.

At Gatwick, trains would switch from platforms one and two, which have three escalators and a wide staircase, to platforms five and six which have a single width staircase

and no escalator. An SRA spokesman said: "Change of use of the Express will prove of greater benefit for a greater number of passengers."

Meanwhile Tube commuters today face yet another threat of strike action across the network. Services on New Year's Eve could also be affected by the latest row.

Leaders of the RMT will meet in crisis session today to decide what action to take in an escalating row over line controllers' pay.