Speedy solution backed
Jan 24 2009 by William Green, The Journal
TRANSPORT Secretary Geoff Hoon "fully recognises" the need for the North East to be plugged into a new national high-speed rail link, The Journal has been told.
Tyne Bridge’s David Clelland said he received assurances about the region’s key position in discussions with Mr Hoon as the Government looks at building a new north-south train link.
The Transport Secretary last week announced a new company was being set up to consider options for such a route from London to Scotland, initially to the West Midlands.
He is also under pressure to use ultra-fast magnet technology in any new rail link, with 25 MPs – including six from the North East – backing a Parliamentary motion on the issue.
A maglev service of up to 311mph would cut journey times between Newcastle and Edinburgh to 35 minutes.
Liverpool would be an hour away with London reached within 100 minutes under such a route drawn up by Northumberland-based Alan James, of maglev champions UK Ultraspeed.
The Parliamentary motion says a broad intercity maglev network would bring “substantial” economic and environmental benefits, as well as more comfortable, reliable and faster journeys.
And ministers should endorse the Ultraspeed project and take practical steps towards developing a UK high-speed rail network, according to MPs.
Labour MP David Clelland, who has signed the motion, said it was important to look at the latest technology if a new rail line was going to be constructed.
“And of course any high-speed rail line needs to be linked up to the North East and Scotland and in my discussions with the Secretary of State, he fully recognises that,” added the member of the Commons transport committee.
Blaydon MP Dave Anderson, who also backed the motion, said: “We need to be as close as possible to the London and the South East because there is where the main businesses are in terms of the economy.”
Alan James, of maglev champions UK Ultraspeed, said there was a growing consensus around high-speed rail and expected the main political parties to fight the next general election in favour of a new north-south link.
He also insisted maglev was substantially cheaper to build, when land prices were included, than traditional high-speed rail links.
Ministers have claimed the technology would be far more expensive.
