New development: High speed rail in Great Britain—its rationale and purpose

Abstract

The HS2 rail route proposed for Great Britain mirrors an international trend towards creating new high speed rail services. Yet its rapid evolution in Great Britain remains controversial. Arguments for improved north-south travel and large economic benefits are being countered with concerns over its high costs, its transformational qualities and opposition to its environmental impacts. This article sets out some principles and criteria for developing high speed rail in Great Britain across a number of fields: economic, environmental, railway strategy, and spatial planning. The authors support high speed rail development but, reflecting experience in continental Europe, identify proper rationale and purpose as essential to its acceptance.

Keywords:

• Economy
• environment
• objectives
• planning
• railways

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tony Bolden

Following careers in transport and strategic planning, Tony Bolden and Reg Harman are regular commentators on railway management and development.

Reg Harman

Following careers in transport and strategic planning, Tony Bolden and Reg Harman are regular commentators on railway management and development.