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Chiltern Society HS2 newsletter
September 2011
September has been quite a busy month. The highlights have been:
- Transport Select Committee's interviews with Environmental Groups, HS2 and Philip Hammond
- NetworkRail's publication of an Initial Industry Plan
- An MP won a backbench debate on HS2 on 13 October
- The Government's proposed simplification of the Planning process, and the National Trust's reaction
- A protest song about the Chilterns
Transport Select Committee
On 13 Sept, HS2 Limited and Philip Hammond gave evidence.
As I have found before, Mr Hammond's use of numbers is a bit suspect. After the consultation, he remarked that there were only 40,000 responses to the Consultation. Brian Briscoe, the chairman of HS2, stated that there more than 50,000 responses. So Mr Hammond was at least 25% adrift. Mr Briscoe also stated that HS2 had not reviewed all of the submissions by 13 September.
In the session attached, Mr H states that the Government would spend £2bn per year for 16 to 17 years making an expenditure of £32bn, the cost of HS2 in 2009 £s. Apparently he is not aware of the impact of inflation.
The TSC asked many of the questions raised by the submissions, and pressed for answers.
Mr Briscoe made it clear that HS2 Limited had not been asked to give advice on strategic rail routes, but to look at the Business case for a London / West Midlands route, and possible links further north. The HS2 team confirmed that the Government had given no instructions on a 250mph train. The instruction was to operate at least a 300kph train. They acted on advice from other HSR operators to use a higher specification for future use.
Ian Stewart MP said that on visits to HSRs in Europe, they were advised of the need for intermediate stops, and then asked about the integration of HS2 into the classic rail. The HS2 team was rather evasive. When pressed on fare structure, Alison Munro gave the HS2 classic answer 'that is for the next stage'. Asked whether a change of route could arise from the Consultation, they were evasive.
Asked whether they had engaged in serious discussions with critics such as 51M, they admitted that they had talked, but needed time to make an assessment of 51M's proposals. They were also asked whether they had looked at the recent upgrade to the Chiltern Line, and whether this had been considered in the economic case. Ms Munro said that they had not, but will now look at it.
Mr Hammond prefaced his evidence stating that he had not seen the detail of the Consultation, only high level summaries. Asked whether he would change his mind, he stated that he would make up his mind after receiving and digesting the results of the Consultation, but went on to say that of the information received prior to the Consultation, he had seen nothing to change his mind. He was asked whether a new economic appraisal would be forthcoming. He stated that it was updated all the time, and if necessary an update would be issued. He made much of the BCR for the 'Y', and said that based on London / Birmingham only, there was no compelling economic case. When questioned on the recent article in the Economist, he prevaricated.
Asked about plans for road and air, he stated that these will be produced in due course, when more evidence on carbon reduction was available. Pressed on whether HS2 would impact other rail infrastructure improvement, he stated that this would not be affected. He appeared to confirm that the Northern hub would go ahead.
He would not make a commitment to the 'Y'. He said that it would not be included in the hybrid bill for the London / West Midlands section, as this was a hybrid bill needed full designs, engineering studies and an Environmental Impact Assessment. To prepare these for the branches of the 'Y' would take too long for inclusion in a bill in 2013. However he will include a commitment for the Secretary of State for Transport to produce a second hybrid bill for the 'Y' in 2015. The impression given was that this would not be him.
Asked about the Government commitment, Mr Hammond confirmed that the cost of preparing the hybrid bill (£750m) is included in the current Spending Review, but any further commitment will only be decided in the next Spending Review.
He concluded with 'the current railway is a rich man's toy', and that 'a factory worker in Manchester would probably not travel on HSR, but would benefit because his sales director could'.
My overall impression is that HS2 Limited is not really ready for the next stage, and that PH is still pushing ahead to a decision. At the same time, the TSC seems to have a good grasp of the arguments, and may well give an unfavorable opinion on HS2.
You can watch the session on the first link, or read the transcript on the second link:
parliamentlive.tv/…
publications.parliament.uk/…
On Monday 6th Sept the TSC took evidence from the CPRE, Chilterns Conservation Board and the National Trust. Also from the aviation industry and Wales and Scotland.
You can watch the session on the first link, or read the transcript on the second link:
parliamentlive.tv/…
publications.parliament.uk/…
Brief Report on TSC evidence
http://www.localgov.co.uk/…
The evidence from the CPRE, etc., concentrated on the lack of a National Transport Infrastructure Plan and alternate route comparisons, in which HS2 could be put into context. There was also a lot of discussion about environmental impact, the poor quality of the Assessment of Sustainability. The National Trust raised concerns about The Chilterns and Hartwell House.
The session with the aviation industry was interesting in that they felt no benefit would be obtained until the 'Y' was completed. Naturally they were keen for Heathrow and other airports to be connected to HS2. The view was expressed that a National Transport Infrastructure Plan would put the modal options into perspective.
Network Rail - Initial Industry Plans
On 29 September 2011, Network Rail published the above setting out its initial views on rail developments in 2014-2019 (Control Period 5). These have been developed by Network Rail in collaboration with the Train Operating Companies and overseen by the Planning Oversight Group. They are designed to deliver the following outcomes:
- More efficient and more affordable to the tax payer
- Stimulates economic growth
- Maintains high levels of reliability
- Contributes to a lower carbon economy
- Better meets the needs of passengers
- Maintains high levels of safety
The document is huge, and represents the first stab at building a plan for rail from 2014 to 2019. I have tried to pick out some relevant items, with my own observations. The IIP contains some suggested improvements, but falls well short of the enhanced Rail Package 2 proposals from 51M. The link to the full document is at the end of this section
AoL has a summary on the following link, but it does not critique the package. news.aol.co.uk/…
Some highlights:
2.1 Government Policy - The Rt Hon Philip Hammond MP - June 2011
The Government's vision is for a transport system that is an engine for economic growth; is cleaner and greener and improves the quality of life in our communities. A system in which rail has a key role to play. With a safe, customer-focused rail system that supports a growing economy, by improving capacity, connectivity, performance, and productivity. Contributing to our wider climate change objectives, by reducing transport's carbon emissions, and encouraging modal shift from road and aviation. Delivering value for the farepayer, the freight customer and the taxpayer - as well as playing its part in reducing the deficit.
Mr Hammond should look at this statement with regard to HS2, particularly cleaner, greener, improving the quality of life in our communities and delivering value for money to the taxpayer.
Especially the level of subsidy required.
2.1.3 High Speed Rail
'Any industry costs associated with the development of this project are assumed to be funded by the promoter'. The industry considers it is important that worthwhile investment in HS2 is not at the expense of continued investment in the rest of the network. If this happened it could re-create a backlog of renewal requirements to maintain existing capability'.
It is clear that the IIP's preparers recognize the risk to the existing rail infrastructure posed by HS2
2.2.1 - Passenger Satisfaction
There are two charts showing drivers of Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction.
Fig. 1 showed that for satisfaction 48% of Passengers listed 'Punctuality' as the key driver, and 8% 'speed of journey'. Other items (all under 10%) included cleanliness, frequency etc
Fig. 2 showed that for dissatisfaction on Long Distance 43% said 'How the train company dealt with delays, 23% said 'lack of punctuality' and 7% speed.
This is clear evidence that improving punctuality is the key driver for most people, whereas speed is the key concern of only 8% of travelers. In terms of HSR, it suggests that operating speeds should be reduced and consideration given to reducing the environmental impact of very straight tracks.
Noise
In Control Period 5 the industry will have to respond to the requirements of the EU Environmental Noise Directive. The Directive uses strategic mapping to identify where there may be potential environmental noise issues. Where issues do exist, and require mandatory remedial intervention, action plans must be developed to address them.
This is an interesting comment, and makes one wonder whether HS2 have taken this into account.
4.5.2. Growth in London and the South-East
This identifies further development of trains on the North London Line.
How will this affect the proposed HS2 to link to HS1?
5. Long Distance
Here they talk about a new line needed to increase capacity, after the assumption that HS2 will be built.
'The Intercity Express Programme (IEP) is the DfT led programme to replace the existing fleet of long distance High Speed Trains (HSTs)'.
It would appear that Network Rail believe we operate HSTs on the WCML and ECML. It is a pity that they have not informed Mr Hammond, who says that the only HSR we have is HS1
8.2.4 Interoperability
This describes the objectives of the EU's Interoperability Directive, which applies to all of Europe's railways, but is currently limited to Trans European Network - Transport routes. Work is being done to extend these to the entire European rail system.
The link below loads (or downloads if you right-click) the 157 page, 1.5MB PDF for the:
Initial Industry Plan England and Wales
Proposals for Control Period 5 and beyond
September 2011
Debate on HS2 in the Commons
On 13 October 2011, there will be a general debate on High Speed Two organized by the Backbench Business Committee. Please contact your MP highlighting your concerns over HS2, and suggest that a National Transport Infrastructure Plan is needed before we make such a huge investment.
Contact your MP
The following link makes writing to your MP easy, you provide your details, the website proposes an e-mail message, which you can modify. Please use to contact your MP before the debate on 13 Oct. Please send the link to your friends away from the line.
www.highspeedrail.org.uk
Proposed planning reforms and The National Trust
Reaction to David Cameron's assurance that he believes in sustainable development has environmental and social dimensions as well as an economic dimension, and that he fully recognises the need for a balance between the three.
nationaltrust.org.uk/…
It is a shame that the National Trust was not as forthright in its criticism of HS2, we might have a Prime Minister who would listen on HSR. It is interesting to note that under these reforms, local councils are required to have a local plan, but there is no such onus on the Government for major infrastructure schemes.
Petition against HS2
Please use the attached link to add your vote, and ask friends and family to add theirs. The link is also on the CS website.
http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/353>
It would also help to contact your MP about the disenfranchisement of voters. You can contact your MP here. http://www.writetothem.com/…
Did you fight to save the Chilterns?
A protest song against HS2
youtube.com/…
Miscellaneous Articles
The Economist - September 11
The 'Train to Nowhere' - article condemning HS2 proposals
economist.com/…
Bucks Free Press - 13 September 2011
Buckinghamshire Councils hit back at Cheshire MP's comments re Councils spending money on fighting HS2
bucksfreepress.co.uk/…
BBC Wales
Report on GWML link to Heathrow
bbc.co.uk/…
The Observer - 18 September 11
More backbench MPs unhappy with HS2. This report summarises the current position.
guardian.co.uk/…
ITV London - 20 September 2011
Video report on HS2 and infighting among the Lib-Dems
itv.com/london/…
Yorkshire Post - 3 September 2011
This article supports HS2, but wants more spent on local infrastructure now.
yorkshirepost.co.uk/…
StopHS2 response to Norman Baker party conference speech - 20 September 2011
stophs2.org/news/…
Homes and Property - 9 September 2011
Article on properties being developed to cater for home-working. Superfast broadband enables more people to work from home. Pity Norman Baker does not realize the strategy is working and reduces the need to travel.
homesandproperty.co.uk/…
Daily Telegraph - 23 September 2011
Tory grassroots rebel against HS2 plans
telegraph.co.uk/news/…
Daily Express - 30 September 2011
Frederick Forsyth lambasts Tory waste, including HS2.
express.co.uk/…
Financial Times - 30 September 2011
Archie Norman, Chairman of ITV, says scrap HS2
ft.com/…
Chiltern Society HS2 DVD
We have DVD's in stock. Cost £5.00 + p&p. Please contact the Chiltern Society office direct, or follow one of the links in this website to buy one.
Feedback
If there are other areas you would like us to cover please .
John Gladwin
HS2 Campaign Action Team
