This is a guest post by Jerry Marshall.
Misunderstanding – Environmental argument has been overcome
HS2 will increase CO2, hence opposition from the Green Party and a long list of environmental organisations (under the Right Lines Charter).
Misunderstanding – We need to keep up with other countries that have HSR
We have a higher satisfaction and shorter journey times than our main European competitors. Many countries are now axing HSR lines (Spain, Portugal) or downgrading some HSR to regular speed (France, Italy).
Misunderstanding – There will be significant modal shift
There will be very limited modal shift, HS2 Ltd said just 13% of journeys on HS2 will transfer from car or air journeys.
Misunderstanding – HS2 allows network to operate at full capacity during its construction
The Euston rebuild will cause chaos and cut capacity and peak services during construction. This is in the evidence HS2 Ltd gave to The Transport select Committee.
Misunderstanding – WCML will be at full capacity in 6 to 10 years
According to Network Rail (who made the statement) this presumes that demand grows at 10% annum. No one is forecasting such an increase. HS2 Ltd say it will be about 2%/a Peak time standard class capacity on the WCML can be increased 139% without major infrastructure work. Fast commuter train capacity can be doubled by completing £243m Ledburn junction grade separation. The Felixstowe – Nuneaton freight line cuts freight usage on the southern section of the WCML by half.
The Chiltern upgrade will also relieve WCML capacity.
Misunderstanding – More services on classic rail after HS2′s introduction
Only if the Government increases rail subsidies.
Hi Jerry, it’s not quite as simple as that when it comes to carbon emissions: http://rightlines.org.uk/co2-vs-hs2/
have seen some of those stickers i think you can get them from wendover hs2vshop. good idea to get message out
This article will not print. I think Jerry Marshall is often attacked by viruses. He has my sympathy. Please sort this out, so I can print the article for my records and use. I admire Jerry Marshall.
Regards,
Thomas Cuff
Jerry, are you going to lead the stop HS2 supporters to sign the petition by the national trust against the governments new national planning framework document? You can find more out about on the websites of campaign for protection of rural england and national trust. It has a direct bearing on the HS2 debate.
Have recently seen posters in Milton Keynes and Stoke Mandeville Hospital car parks, High Wycombe traffic lights and a bottle bank saying words to the effect MORE POLICE, BETTER HEALTH SERVICE or a new fast railway line costing £140 million a mile.
I think they describe the present situation very well. Where can I get some?
Sorry Jerry you omit to mention the fact that the WCML will be slowed until 203umph because the Classic Compatible can’t go at the same speed as the Pendolinos. So the the whole line will bw slowed down. But speed is of the essence!!
Do you really think this thing will go beyond Birmingham? I don’t think so. Now the consultation is over the north have now served their purpose !! promises, promises. This is the 3rd time the DfT have been bribed the north with the same promise.