Conservative leader David Cameron backed the redevelopment of New Street station as the Conservatives yesterday launched their "green" transport strategy.

T he Tories accused Labour of taking voters outside London for granted, by spending far more on transport in the capital than elsewhere.

The Government has spent £1,637 per person on transport since 2001 in London and just £969 per head in the West Midlands, Conservatives said.

Mr Cameron made a pitch to crammed-in commuters as he put railways at the heart of the party's transport proposals.

He insisted tackling over-crowding on trains was an "urgent priority" and issued a call for more investment on the busiest routes.

Mr Cameron said: "We think it is an urgent priority for that money to be spent on tackling overcrowding.

"If the Government finally takes decisions about key projects like Thameslink and Birmingham New Street, they will have our support.

"And I give a commitment that if we are in Government after 2009 or 2010, we will complete these improvements and look at ways of enhancing our rail network."

Network Rail is leading efforts to secure a long-awaited refurbishment of New Street, supported by the city council, MPs from all parties and business leaders.

An ambitious £500 million scheme, designed to create a larger and far more attractive passenger area, will require about £378 million from the Department of Transport. Ministers are expected to make a decision this summer.

Mr Cameron also confirmed his party would conduct a feasibility study into the creation of a brand new high-speed rail line, which could see trains running at 186mph.

The new line, if it goes ahead, is expected to run from London to Scotland via Birmingham.