Every week I publish my very own "Kev's Column" Online. This week I take a look at the debate around HS2:
HS2 has become one of the most controversial infrastructure projects of the last 20 years and whilst I can understand the arguments for the UK building a High Speed Rail network, I am sceptical about the current plans.
I do not believe in opposing schemes merely because there is not a direct benefit to the bay, but in this case I am not convinced this is the best use of money compared to other options. This differs from my view on Crossrail and the Northern Hub where I can see the benefits to the wider UK economy.
HS2 Phase 1 will see a significant amount of money spent building a third rail line between London and Birmingham, effectively becoming a fast shuttle between those two cities. HS2 trains will stop at new Curzon St and Birmingham Interchange Stations, rather than key transport hubs, meaning any time advantage for travellers is lost if not travelling to the immediate area around the new stations. When other infrastructure, such as the Motorways and Railways were built it was not just the terminus points that benefited from improved journey times.
I accept the argument that more rail capacity is needed at peak times, as it is in parts of the South West, but a better option may have been reinstating the Great Central Railway, with modifications to reflect it being rebuilt to modern standards (Including higher train speeds) and development since it closed in the 1960's. Traffic from Manchester and the North using this line would free up capacity, particularly if a Parkway style station was easily accessible from the M1.
Some Labour and Conservative MPs did vote against HS2, but given the relevant legislation recently received a 400 majority in the Commons it is almost certain to pass. If the vote had been tight with many more against then deals may be offered in exchange for support, but with a 400 vote cushion this is highly unlikely.
Some argue Labour may still drop its support for HS2 on the basis of some of the issues around compensation or concerns about exact routing, but it is hard to see MPs for Liverpool, Birmingham and Greater Manchester voting to block a scheme they have vocally supported on the basis of concerns about its impact in Buckinghamshire or Southern Warwickshire. Last year it appeared they might change their view due to rising costs after comments from the Shadow Chancellor, but this was quickly followed by pledges of support from the Labour Leader that would be very difficult to u-turn on.
The money being allocated to HS2 dwarfs what is needed for permanent solutions for the A303 and Dawlish Rail issues, so key for the bay and our wider region. The storms in February brought national attention to our frail infrastructure, the cost of HS2 gives us the argument that money should be available in future to deal with them.