Menu
08/11/2011
High Speed Rail Network Gets Backing
A government committee has announced that a high-speed rail link between London and Birmingham has a "good case".
The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
The scheme, known as HS2, is expected to cost £32 billion and offers "a new era of inter-urban travel in Britain", the Commons Transport Committee says.
"We support a high-speed rail network for Britain, developed as part of a comprehensive transport strategy also including the classic rail network, road, aviation and shipping," the committee's findings said.
A spokesman added: "We believe that the Government's HS2 proposal could form part of this network and provide substantial improvements in capacity and connectivity for inter-urban travel between our major cities. Furthermore, the released capacity on the classic rail network would also enable widespread improvements on local and regional rail services."
The committee said that alternative proposals to upgrade the existing West Coast Main Line would provide additional capacity but, given the substantial recent growth in rail passenger numbers, it seems that the alternatives might prove inadequate.
"They do not offer the step-change or the wider benefits to passenger and freight that HS2 would do. Whether these alternative proposals would be adequate turns on the accuracy of demand forecasts, which are a substantial part of the case for HS2."
The Labour chair of the committee, Louise Ellman, said the scheme was affordable and would provide a "step change" in the quality and frequency of rail services between major cities.
(DW)
The announcement comes after the Government carried out a public consultation on the proposal and the recommended route for an initial high-speed line from London to the West Midlands.
The scheme, known as HS2, is expected to cost £32 billion and offers "a new era of inter-urban travel in Britain", the Commons Transport Committee says.
"We support a high-speed rail network for Britain, developed as part of a comprehensive transport strategy also including the classic rail network, road, aviation and shipping," the committee's findings said.
A spokesman added: "We believe that the Government's HS2 proposal could form part of this network and provide substantial improvements in capacity and connectivity for inter-urban travel between our major cities. Furthermore, the released capacity on the classic rail network would also enable widespread improvements on local and regional rail services."
The committee said that alternative proposals to upgrade the existing West Coast Main Line would provide additional capacity but, given the substantial recent growth in rail passenger numbers, it seems that the alternatives might prove inadequate.
"They do not offer the step-change or the wider benefits to passenger and freight that HS2 would do. Whether these alternative proposals would be adequate turns on the accuracy of demand forecasts, which are a substantial part of the case for HS2."
The Labour chair of the committee, Louise Ellman, said the scheme was affordable and would provide a "step change" in the quality and frequency of rail services between major cities.
(DW)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
13 January 2012
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
Legal Action Taken Over Cumbrian Rail Crash
It has been revealed that Network rail is to be prosecuted over the Cumbrian rail crash back in 2007, which claimed one life. The rail regulation body, The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has said that they have started legal proceedings against Network Rail for a breach of health and safety law.
09 October 2008
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
Scottish Rail Strike Suspended
Scottish rail services are expected to return to normal after talks between Network Rail and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union lead to a suspension of the 24-hour strike scheduled for noon.
27 April 2004
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
Firms accept liability for Potters Bar rail crash
In a joint statement made today Network Rail and Jarvis plc have formally accepted liability for the 2002 Potters Bar rail crash. Network Rail and Jarvis said they hoped that by "formalising the liability issue, those affected by the tragedy will gain some level of comfort and assistance".
08 January 2013
Network Rail Plans £37.5bn Investment
Network Rail has committed to the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era. Network Rail plans to spend £37.5bn on running and expanding Britain’s railway over the five years to 2019.
Network Rail Plans £37.5bn Investment
Network Rail has committed to the biggest investment in infrastructure since the Victorian era. Network Rail plans to spend £37.5bn on running and expanding Britain’s railway over the five years to 2019.
10 January 2012
High Speed Rail Network Given The Green Light
Despite strong opposition a controversial high-speed rail line has been given the nod by government. High Speed 2 (HS2) is a scheme to deliver hugely enhanced rail capacity and connectivity between Britain’s major conurbations. Phase one of HS2, between London and Birmingham, should be running by 2026, later extending to northern England.
High Speed Rail Network Given The Green Light
Despite strong opposition a controversial high-speed rail line has been given the nod by government. High Speed 2 (HS2) is a scheme to deliver hugely enhanced rail capacity and connectivity between Britain’s major conurbations. Phase one of HS2, between London and Birmingham, should be running by 2026, later extending to northern England.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with a little light rain or drizzle at times, but some spells of drier weather too. The north coast may become somewhat brighter later this afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Cloudy and patchy light rain will slowly clear away this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with broken cloud. Westerly winds freshening in the early hours. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
