High Speed Rail in the UK - a major issue for consideration
A report launched by the Institution of Civil Engineers in early December 2005 focuses on whether or not High Speed Rail is a feasible option within the UK to address growing transport issues.
Sir Rod Eddington, formerly CEO of British Airways, has been asked by HM Treasury, in conjunction with the Department for Transport, to identify Britain's transport infrastructure needs post 2015. Early indication are that high speed rail will be a major issue for consideration.
The Commission for Integrated Transport states "Britain is far behind other countries in Europe and Asia in developing any kind of high speed rail network" whereas countries such as Spain, France, Germany and Japan have all invested significantly in high speed rail.
High speed rail could cut up to 50% on commuter times and enable over twice as many trains to run between major cities within the UK, easing the pressure on already crowded commuter routes and demand for new roads.
Trains of up to 200mph could also produce environmental benefits, create jobs and provide inward investment and regeneration to areas served.
To announce findings of the ICE report and discuss a number of key themes such as ...
- Can high speed rail help to address the UK's transport problems?
- Developing funding, technology and infrastructure
- The impact on integrated transport and the environment
- Country case studies - technology and business models adopted for high speed train operation
ICE and The Railway Forum are launching a one-day conference - High Speed Rail in the UK, Monday 8th May 2006, Royal Institute of British Architects, 66 Portland Place, London, UK Q1B 1AD
www.iceconferences.com
Places are available from £270 plus VAT for full day conference including lunch.
Full conference programme coming soon - to request a brochure email Vidya.Gunapal@ice.org.uk or by calling ICE Conferences on +44 (0) 207665 2313