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SEStran welcomes Fast Track Scotland Routes and Stations report

Date: 26th January 2012

 

 

SEStran welcomes the Fast Track Scotland Routes and Stations report

The report’s findings , which have been presented to ministers, show that work on a high speed line in Scotland could commence  earlier than in England, presenting the opportunity for early delivery of an Edinburgh to Glasgow High Speed Rail connection.

The report recommends that talks with HS2 Ltd to start work on detailed route planning for high speed lines to and within Scotland should be made a priority and urges them to consider a direct Edinburgh-Glasgow route as part of a scheme to link to the South.

 SEStran Chair, Russell Imrie, said :

 “SEStran fully supports the campaign to ensure that Scotland is included in the High Speed Rail project. This report strengthens the case for ensuring we are part of it from the outset.”

 “It is vital that Edinburgh and Glasgow have access to High Speed Rail, for a range of economic and environmental reasons. Inclusion as key nodes on a HS line will strengthen the already close economic ties between the two cities, increase Scotland’s accessibility and provide a step-change improvement in connectivity with the rest of the UK and Europe”.

 “Scotland needs a level economic playing field relative to other areas of the UK. High Speed Rail can provide this. If Scotland is not included, Glasgow and Edinburgh will be comparatively further away, in terms of journey times, from London than their main competitors who will served by high speed lines, putting Scottish Business at a significant disadvantage”.

 “This report shows that it is possible for Scotland’s two key cities to be included from the outset – indeed to be a part of the project before their competitor cities to the south”.

 “SEStran urges ministers to accept the findings of the report and work towards implementing its recommendations.”

 END

For further information contact:

Andrew Dougal, SEStran Communications Officer

T: 0131-524-5161

M: 07889-010-291

E: Andrew.dougal@sestran.gov.uk

ENDS

SEStran - South East of Scotland Transport Partnership - is one of seven new Statutory Regional Transport Partnerships (RTP) created by the Transport (Scotland) Act 2005 and is currently the secretariat to the seven chairs of the RTPs.