A study has been launched by the government on the extension of Crossrail services to Hertfordshire.

Doing so would mean passengers would no longer have to change at Euston, enabling the redevelopment of the station to make it ready for the HS2 project.

Passengers at Tring, Hemel Hempstead, Watford Junction, Berkhamstead and Harrow and Wealdstone have up to 15 minutes shaved off their journey times via a new rail link between Old Oak Common and the West Coast Main Line.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: "We are investing record amounts to build a world-class railway, so it is vital we seize every opportunity to make the most of these once in a generation schemes."

The Crossrail line is set to provide a major boost for commuters, delivering a ten per cent increase in capacity for rail in London. More than 11,000 people are currently working on the project at more than 40 sites.