High speed rail plan could cut flights say 2M group

The Royal Borough and other members of the 2M group of local authorities opposed to Heathrow expansion have this week published plans for a high-speed rail network which could reduce the need for domestic and short-haul flights.

The High Speed North proposal unveiled yesterday (Monday July 21) in Westminster, would provide a new fast link between London and Edinburgh with the first stretch from London to the Midlands following the route of the M1.

The new route would provide direct connections from other parts of the UK to a growing network of European cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Lyon.

Heathrow would be an integral part of this new network, enabling people from Scotland and the north, who might otherwise take an internal flight, to travel to the airport by rail.

Cllr David Burbage, council leader, said after the launch: "The 2M group, of which the Royal Borough is a member, is committed to opposing the expansion of Heathrow and concerned
at the environmental impact of Heathrow on all our communities.

"This proposal has got to be seriously considered and we think that a high-speed rail network could help to do just that."

The new blueprint has been devised by civil engineer Colin Elliff and published by the 2M group as part of its contribution to the national debate on transportation policy.

Speakers at Monday's launch in Westminster included council leaders from the 2M Group, John Stewart from the aircraft noise campaigners HACAN and Colin Elliff.

The 2M Group is an all-party alliance of local authorities concerned at the environmental impact of Heathrow expansion on their communities. The group, which took its name from the 2 million residents of the original 12 members, now represents 21 authorities with a combined population of 4.5 million people.

For more information visit 2M at www.2MGroup.org.uk