End of the line for Maglev?

Nov 12 2007 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

HOPES of a high-speed rail link connecting Newcastle to London have taken a blow as the Government edges towards approving West coast rail upgrades.

The Government is considering how to solve transport problems across the UK, with £20bn up-for-grabs for regions that put forward innovative projects.

But the current consultation scheme may already be weighted against the North-East after the Department of Transport released its response to the Eddington report – a wide ranging review of transport in England.

The Towards a Sustainable Transport System response put forward the option of a 200mph train route from London to Manchester.

Members of the Association of North-East Councils (ANEC) have repeatedly called for high-speed rail links to boost the local economy.

ANEC chairman Mick Henry said: “We look forward to the upcoming transport consultation in the region, and the chance to engage with the Government and put forward the region’s key transport priorities.

“The association remains absolutely committed to the vision of a high-speed link between the North-East and the rest of the country and we will continue to press our case with the Government.”

Despite a commitment to high-speed rail, the Government’s plan rejects more radical ideas such as double-deck motorways and magnetic levitation train lines as “unaffordable”. Ministers have previously rejected the 311mph Maglev technology, although supporters say it could transform the North-East economy.

Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland said the Government had to “match the region’s ambition.”

Liz Smith, assistant regional director of CBI North-East, called on the Government to commit itself to improving the region’s infrastructure. She said: “Good transport links between the North-East and London are extremely important for our economic growth. The North-East has benefited hugely from the efficient service that we have had from GNER.”

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Stuck in jams for 11 days

AS many as 70% of small and medium-sized companies think public transport in its present form is not fit for purpose, a report by the RAC Foundation and the British Chambers of Commerce will say today.

The report shows that business travellers are wasting an average of 11 days a year stuck in congestion, while nearly 90% of companies reckon congestion affects their business.

It also says that people living in the North-East and in London make the least business trips per year.

RAC Foundation executive director Edmund King said: “While business travel can be reduced it cannot be done away with entirely.”