Campaign for Better Transport calls for increased rail capacity and review of HS2 cancellation

Credit: HS2

The Campaign for Better Transport has called on the new UK government to prioritise expanding rail capacity and improving connectivity. The charity is calling for a review of the cancelled sections of the HS2 project and an immediate halt to the sale of HS2 land while the future of the project is considered.

Silviya Barrett, of the Campaign for Better Transport, said: “The government has inherited a West Coast main line that is bursting at the seams. Before the crushing blow of its cancellation, the northern section of HS2 would have provided desperately needed capacity, while boosting northern economies and encouraging green travel. For the sake of current and future generations, the government must consider how best to increase rail capacity and improve connectivity, which could include bringing some or all of the abandoned sections of HS2 back into service.”

In his article, HS2: what next?The Campaign for Better Transportation calls on the new administration to:

• Land sales on northern sections of HS2 must be halted immediately
• Examine the option of relaunching all or part of the abandoned HS2 sections
• Develop credible plans to increase capacity and connectivity on all sections that would be impossible to reactivate
• Collaborate with infrastructure investors to explore all financing options for future projects
• Commit to funding and completing other vital rail and local infrastructure projects already underway, including Northern Powerhouse Rail, the new Bradford station, the reopening of the railways and the West Yorkshire public transport system.

Barrett added: “Decisions on major infrastructure projects need to be taken with a long-term perspective, which is why HS2 was approved 15 years ago with cross-party support. Going forward, serious work will be needed to ensure cost increases are minimised. But as the success of the Elizabeth Line has demonstrated, once projects of this scale are completed, the benefits quickly outweigh the costs.”

The King’s speech on July 17, 2024 is expected to include legislation to reform the railways.