Transport committee backs HS2 – with caveats

The Transport Select Committee has given its qualified backing to HS2, saying the network will provide a “step change in the capacity, quality, reliability and frequency of rail services between our major cities” – as long as it does extend north of Birmingham. The cross-party committee of MPs wants a “firm commitment” that the whole Y network will be built before seeking parliamentary approval for HS2, as well as an updated business case that also deals with investment in the classic network, and that puts less emphasis on the value of travel time savings, which it says “are not universally accepted”. The MPs call for more “respect” between the bitterly opposed camps for and against HS2, and urges the Government to stop disparaging opponents as nimbys. The report launched today, called ‘High Speed Rail’, also demands the Government “looks again” at the case for a direct HS2 link to Heathrow versus schemes that would link the airport to Gatwick or the GWML. It also says there are “risk factors” associated with running 18 trains per hour at 225mph and that more technical information is needed about the impact of doing so. Pro-HS2 groups have moved away from claiming widespread environmental benefits for the scheme, and the committee report reinforces this, saying: “Claims that HS2 would deliver substantial carbon-reduction benefits do not stand up to scrutiny.” But it would still be a far better environmental option than extending the motorway network or boosting domestic air travel, it says. Finally, it wants options on increasing peak-time capacity to Milton Keynes and Northampton ahead of HS2 opening. Opponents have seized on the large number of criticisms – especially over the value of travel time savings, which they say could decimate the business case – but committee chairwoman Louise Ellman MP has made clear that the line does ultimately have their backing. She says: “A high-speed line offers potential economic and strategic benefits which a conventional line does not, including a dramatic improvement in connectivity between our major cities, Heathrow and other airports, and the rest of Europe.” Opposition groups like the Countryside Alliance, Taxpayers’ Alliance and umbrella Stop HS2 action group have criticised the report, while pro-HS2 ATOC has welcomed the emphasis placed by the committee on maintaining investment in the classic network. The Department for Transport is expected to publish next month the findings of the massive consultation on high-speed rail from earlier this year.