THE new Crossrail project could mean more people leaving their cars to let the train take the strain, a councillor hopes.

Val Letheren, cabinet member for transportation, welcomed the news that the Government intends to go ahead with the £16 billion scheme.

The railway proposal for London and the south east will result in shorter journey times to the capital, more frequent trains, and extended platforms to accommodate larger trains.

Cllr Letheren said: "We have always backed the project and lobbied for it to go ahead, so I am delighted it now has the green light. It will bring much-needed improvements for residents of south Bucks and I hope this means many will now choose the train instead of the car for their journeys to cut down congestion on our roads."

A bill is currently going through Parliament in order to obtain the authority to build the line.