A MULTI-million pound rail scheme has escaped being culled as the Mayor of London made drastic savings in the capital's transport budget.

Boris Johnson today scrapped proposals to build Thames Gateway Bridge, an extension to the Docklands Light Railway, and the cross river tram to streamline the capital's transport budget.

But Crossrail, set to cost 16bn and run through the heart of Hillingdon, remains unchanged and could even benefit from the cost cutting programme, which is designed to save Transport for London £2.4bn.

Announcing the new budget, Mr Johnson said: “We need to focus on the projects that deliver real benefits for Londoners, and let go of those that lack the funding for completion.

“I will not continue with the former Mayor’s unrealistic and hollow promises.

“The last administration's commitments amounted to billions of pounds worth of schemes that London could simply never afford.”

Although money will be made because of the cuts, it will be swallowed into existing budgets which are lacking funds, and Crossrail remains estimated to cost the same.

But Transport for London is confident today's announcement will mean the budget is less stretched and it will be in a better position to deliver Crossrail on time in 2017.

The project received a financial boost earlier this week when it was revealed airport operator BAA has pledged £230m to fund Crossrail, ensuring it will stop at Heathrow Airport.

The plans already includes stops in Hanwell, Acton, Ealing, West Ealing, and Southall.