Oh, dear, they never learn. The 2010 HS2 command paper described HS2 as "a largely segregated railway". Since they've realised it's a mistake they're now trying to kid themselves that "it will be fully integrated with the rest of the railway network" even though it would run for over 100 miles without any connection.
"Rebalancing the economy" means draining even more commerce out of the regions to London; their own figures show that!
"Released capacity on the existing main lines" is a valid concept, but their figures include the savings that would be made by CUTTING services on existing lines. They can't have it both ways.
Yes, we will most likely need new tracks northwards from London, but HS2 is not the answer. The religious fervour of politicians in favour of a new railway is gratifying; all that is needed now is a sensible route actually worth building.
Les Fawcett
Posted on 30 Hyd 2013 11:55 am
Oh, dear, they never learn. The 2010 HS2 command paper described HS2 as "a largely segregated railway". Since they've realised it's a mistake they're now trying to kid themselves that "it will be fully integrated with the rest of the railway network" even though it would run for over 100 miles without any connection.
"Rebalancing the economy" means draining even more commerce out of the regions to London; their own figures show that!
"Released capacity on the existing main lines" is a valid concept, but their figures include the savings that would be made by CUTTING services on existing lines. They can't have it both ways.
Yes, we will most likely need new tracks northwards from London, but HS2 is not the answer. The religious fervour of politicians in favour of a new railway is gratifying; all that is needed now is a sensible route actually worth building.