HS2 alternative gets Tory think tank support
Fri 16 Dec 2011
The ‘alternative’ high-speed route from London to Birmingham has garnered support from a Conservative think tank, the Bow Group.
This follows Shadow Transport Secretary Maria Eagle’s plans for the track to run via Heathrow, thus saving the countryside in the Chilterns. The route would run from Euston to Heathrow through a tunnel under West London, then head north west towards the M40 before following the motorway up to Birmingham.
The Bow Group suggests that this route could cut the journey time to 48 minutes, instead of the 49 estimated by the Government’s plans.
With the planned spur line to Heathrow, the group says that the Government route would cost £19.2bn, whilst the alternative route could be delivered for £17.5bn. They maintain that private investors could cover the cost of a station at Heathrow, thus saving money.
Whilst in opposition, the Conservatives also supported a line that goes via Heathrow, but since in Government they have changed to a route through the Chilterns.
Richard Mabey, the Bow Group’s research secretary said: “Rarely in politics do you have U-turns by both Labour and the Conservatives. The two major parties have supported the Bow Group route for high-speed rail, just at different times.
“The Bow Group route offers both environmental protection for the Chilterns and the economic benefits of a Heathrow high-speed rail hub.
“It is time for the Government to take the long-term view and win the consensus on high-speed rail.”
Tell us what you think at opinion@railtechnologymagazine.com
Back to List