The Government today published High Speed 2 (HS2) Command Paper which details a new high speed rail link between London and Birmingham, Ralph Smyth, Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Senior Transport Campaigner, says:

“By using existing and disused transport corridors as well as tunnelling, the impact on the Chilterns is less than feared. But the impact on Warwickshire, where the line is proposed to run through open countryside, is a major concern.

“There is a strong need for more than just fine-tuning. The firm commitment to community consultation made by Lord Adonis must be backed up by real engagement and flexibility. As with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, local people’s contribution can help turn a contentious route into something that works both national and locally.”

In Summary CPRE considers the following to be positive:

• Stations: the upgrade of Euston, the new interchange at Old Oak Common which will integrate HS2 into local transport networks and the ‘Birmingham Grand Central’ Station at Curzon Street.
• Southern section of route: Running along existing transport corridors and a disused railway will help minimise environmental impact as will the commitment to extensive tunnelling in the Chilterns.
• Speed: The route will be design for 225mph not 250mph originally proposed, which will help reduce the environmental impact.

However, CPRE remains particularly concerned about:

• Colne Valley Park: A huge 725m viaduct is planned across the first significant area of countryside to the west of London.
• Warwickshire: Between Brackley and Kenilworth, the route would run through open countryside.  After running alongside the M42 it would then cut through more countryside before joining the West Coast Mainline at Lichfield.
• Impact on roads and air: if HSR is to fulfil its environmental promise, it must be  backed up by action to shift existing trips off roads and planes rather than simply generating new travel.
• Integration with HS1: there are no proposals yet to link HS2 into HS1 and continental Europe, instead the Government proposes a further study.

CPRE is judging HS2 against its five tests for sustainable High Speed Rail (HSR), which have won wide support and have been influential in the development of Government plans for HS2. The full five tests can be found on our website alone with a further briefing and graphics of the route’s impacts.
www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/transport/rail/highspeed2

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Notes to Editors

1.CPRE, the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity which promotes the beauty, tranquillity and diversity of rural England. We advocate positive solutions for the long-term future of the countryside. Founded in 1926, we have 60,000 supporters and a branch in every county. President: Bill Bryson. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. www.cpre.org.uk

2.CPRE launched 2026 - A Vision for the Countryside in May 2009, setting out a positive and optimistic vision for the future of the beautiful English countryside in 2026, the charity’s centenary year. The Vision’s key issues include: affordable, high quality housing; urban regeneration; Green Belts; better planning; revitalisation of rural railways; green energy; local food and farming; quality of life; light pollution and valuing the countryside as a national asset. For further information go to www.cpre.org.uk/campaigns/environment/2026-a-vision-for-the-countryside.