High-speed rail’s £17bn North boost

Mar 13 2008 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

EXPERTS on high-speed trains have told the Government the North East could be worth £17bn more to the UK economy if it had faster rail links.

New studies drawn up by engineering consultancy Atkins have shown the huge economic benefits of a North-South high- speed line passing through Newcastle.

They predicted that over 60 years, an East Coast high-speed line would be worth £29bn to the region and cost £12bn to set up.

It is the first time a report has listed Newcastle and the North East as a better route for high-speed rail than Manchester and the North West. Andy Southern, managing director at Atkins, said: “It is clear that a high-speed rail network should not only be viewed in terms of its benefit to relieving congestion on the rail network. The economic gain could also be extremely significant.”

The report forecast that demand on the East Coast Main Line will increase by 69% by 2026, and suggests high-speed rail may be the only solution.

Tyne Bridge MP David Clelland has called on the Government to stop delaying its plans for the future of the rail network.

He said: “The Atkins report conforms what many of us have said for a long time.

“In order to resolve the North-South divide we need to bring the country closer together, and the best way to do that is through high-speed transport links.”

A spokesman for the Department for Transport said: “We will be looking at the need for new transport capacity as part of our new approach to planning.

“We will consider all available options to provide the most efficient and beneficial solutions for passengers and taxpayers.”

Saturday agenda: An impassioned plea for high-speed rail.