MP for Hertsmere Oliver Dowden is continuing his campaign to extend the Oyster scheme to Radlett after promises were broken.

The Oyster scheme was originally meant to be extended to Radlett by September 30, 2015, however the extension has been delayed due to a number of complications.

Since being informed of the delay Mr Dowden has raised the matter with senior representatives from Govia Thameslink and Transport for London (TfL) as well as the Rail Minister.

Mr Dowden said: “Over the past few months I have been keen to establish what the facts are with regard to the planned extension of Oyster Pay As You Go to Radlett.

“I have been disappointed by the degree of confusion there appears to have been with regard to who is responsible for the planned extension. I remain determined to keep the pressure on and to secure answers.

“I am aware that the cost of train travel for many Radlett based constituents is a significant issue and I think that extending Oyster PAYG to Radlett would be a significant step in the right direction.”

Rail Minister, Claire Perry MP, told Mr Dowden in her response during Parliamentary Questions last month that significant upgrades would need to be made to the Oyster back office for the Radlett extension to take place.

This was confirmed in a letter that Mr Dowden received from TfL’s chief technology officer, Shashi Verma.

In the letter TfL state that major problems were caused during previous extensions of Oyster PAYG to stations outside of Greater London, such as Borehamwood station.

This was due to the difficulties associated with accommodating the national rail fare structure into London’s zonal system.

TfL have confirmed that they are adapting the Oyster back office so that fares can be set more flexibly.

This would allow TfL to resolve problems that were associated with previous extension. TfL have said that the work will be completed by 2018 which will allow the extension to Radlett to take place.

Mr Dowden said: “Though disappointed with the significant delay, I am glad that I finally have an understanding as to the steps that need to be taken for Oyster to be extended to Radlett.

“I appreciate that there are a number of technical difficulties relating to the extension and it was good to hear that there is a clear road map to be carried out for the technical works necessary for fares to be set more flexibly.

“I will be meeting with senior representatives from TfL over the coming weeks to discuss this further and learn more about the planned upgrade to the Oyster back office.”