Despite billions of pounds spent over the last decade to modernise the West Coast Main Line, it is struggling to cater for a mix of intercity, local and freight trains. The Government is due to consult on new strategies for road and air travel: expanding these would have much greater negative impacts than HS2. But supporting the principle of a new high speed railway is not just because it is a better alternative than new runways or motorways. It would free up existing lines by removing many of the long distance trains, allowing them to be reclaimed for expanded local rail services.
Although we support the principle of HS2, we’re worried about the way it is being planned, as well as the impacts of the proposed route itself. What makes things more difficult is that, at the moment, there is no national, long term transport strategy for HS2 to be judged against.
The trouble is, the very high speed that HS2 is currently being designed for cuts out any options for major changes to the route. Setting inflexible objectives for High Speed 2 to meet technical specifications – such as a theoretical top speed of 400km/h – and preconceived requirements – such as parkway stations (stations with extensive parking facilities) at airports – has seriously limited the range of route options considered. It also limits the scope for those participating in the consultation to propose changes to the preferred route.
CPRE wants to see a compromise on the top speed and removal of the plans for parkway stations in order to improve the proposals – views strongly shared by many other organisations. We’re lobbying hard to ensure the Government takes account of our concerns.
Update
Our response to the Government’s decision in January 2012 to proceed with HS2.
Green light for HS2 - more study needed
Find out more
CPRE's research, reports and response to the HS2 public consultation.
See: resources - rail
Right Lines Charter
A powerful alliance of respected organisations for doing High Speed Rail well, which CPRE took the leading role in setting up.
Visit the website to find out more rightlines.org.uk
