I have today submitted the attached briefing paper on
alternatives to HS2 (Quick Wins and less intrusive construction)
to the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee prior to my
giving evidence to this Committee at 1530 this afternoon.
In summary, this paper follows up on my Dissenting Report
on HS2 published on 5 January 2020, Land contains a list of
“Quick Wins” for improving the rail services and capacity in the
North and Midlands. I identify the greatest potential in the
centres of Manchester, Sheffield, Birmingham and Leeds,
given that they have the greatest proportion of overcrowded
trains during rush hour outside London.
Many of the projects listed could be delivered in the next
few years and are only impeded subject to government funding.
These include projects such as electrification, paused by the
previous government, more and longer platforms and longer trains
for commuters.
These “Quick Wins” will only have a small disruptive effect
on passengers, unlike the much greater, more widespread and
longer lasting disruption to both rail passengers and motorists
which HS2 could cause.
The disruption by HS2 includes 5 years of upheaval at
Euston and 3 years at Paddington during which train services
could be cut to 50% of their normal timetable. This disruption is
based upon the last upgrade at Euston during (1959 to 1966) when
Birmingham trains were diverted to Paddington and Manchester
trains to St Pancras; neither alternative route is now
available.
Disruption to motorway traffic by HS2 construction is
likely to be severe and long lasting, given the proximity of HS2
to so many motorways, particularly the M25 and M6.
The briefing paper lists the motorways affected.
I believe that quick wins on the rail services in the North
and Midlands are essential, as part of a 20-year rolling
programme of improvements for commuters. Most of these are
needed whether HS2 gets built or not and are likely to bring
greater economic benefit to the local economy of these regions
than the intercity improvements proposed by HS2.’
