Local Government focus on high speed rail
Local Authority Leaders in Yorkshire and Humber have set out the case for high speed rail to serve Yorkshire and Humber in a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Lord Adonis.
Leaders believe that High Speed Rail would transform local economies across Yorkshire and Humber by bringing people and businesses within 90 minutes of London and are lobbying government to ensure that any new network links our communities with the capital.
Councillor Roger Stone, Chair of Local Government Yorkshire and Humber said: “A high speed rail network that links Yorkshire and Humber with the Midlands and London would have a huge impact on our local economies. The new rail line would reduce many journey times by more than half, bringing key regional centres to within 1hr 30mins of London. High speed rail would also help to reduce the economic disparities between the north and the south of England and give greater opportunities and prosperity to the people in Yorkshire and Humber”
Councillor Andrew Carter, Deputy Chair of Local Government Yorkshire and Humber said: “A high speed rail network is vital to supporting UK economic growth and international competitiveness, but this network must be developed to the benefit of all parts of the country. By starting work on parallel routes to both the east and west of the Pennines we can ensure that the economies in both the North East and North West are supported and developed. Many of the Local Authorities in Yorkshire and Humber have joined a partnership with councils in the North East and North West to make sure that any high speed rail development benefits us all, rather than a select few. ”
Developing an “east coast” route direct from London could see both the North West and North East gaining, as well as Yorkshire and Humber. This could be achieved by a ‘Y’ shaped network linking London via the West Midlands, or through a completely separate route.
Faster connections with London will benefit the whole of Yorkshire and Humber. Capacity freed on the “classic” network will also support the growth of rail freight and improve the connectivity to the Humber Ports complex which handles more cargo than anywhere else in the UK. It is also vital that High Speed Rail is accompanied by wider commitment to upgrade and improve the existing rail network, so that the benefits of High Speed can be brought to as many people as possible.
Councillor Andrew Waller, Leader of City of York Council said: “Creating a fast and efficient rail link between London and the North is vital to the regeneration and economic development of Yorkshire and Humber. Cities such as York, Leeds and Sheffield are important economic drivers in our region and with a boosted link to London and the Midlands they will be able to contribute even more to economic growth. By lending our support to this issue, Local Authority Leaders are showing our collective commitment to not only improved transport links but the economic future of the region. “
The letter has been submitted to Lord Adonis in advance of a public consultation on High Speed Rail taking place.
EU 2020 Going Local Newsletter April 2012. Available here.
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