26/07/11….No case for High Speed 2 says Chilterns watchdog

THERE is no evidence that High Speed 2 will provide significant economic or environmental benefits says the Chilterns Conservation Board in its submission to the public consultation on high speed rail.

The Board says that it is opposed to the Government?s proposals to build a high speed rail line through the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It does not believe evidence has been put forward to show that High Speed 2 is in the national interest which would justify damaging a nationally-protected landscape like the Chilterns.

The Board says that it has produced detailed responses to all the questions in the consultation, outlining the many flaws in the proposals for High Speed 2. It also points out a recent EU survey which found 92% of UK rail travellers are satisfied with journey times, undermining the case for building a faster line.

?In a time of austerity it is incredible the Government is even thinking of spending so much money on a railway when there are so many more pressing and urgent economic and environmental issues to resolve,? said Steve Rodrick, Chief Officer of the Chilterns Conservation Board. ?A message needs to be sent that we do not share their belief that spending