26 August 2009
High-speed rail plans key to lower carbon future
Transform Scotland welcome for high-speed rail plans:
Network Rail plans important for meeting climate targets and for reducing oil dependency
Transform Scotland [1] today (Wednesday 26th) welcomed today's high-speed rail announcement from Network Rail [2].
Paul Tetlaw, Chair of Transform Scotland, said:
"We welcome the Network Rail study. If no action is taken, there will be severe capacity constraints that will occur on our existing rail network in the years ahead. Network Rail's plans clearly show that people are ready and willing to switch to rail if the right services are provided to the right places.
"Further modal shift to rail is essential if we are to meet our climate change targets and reduce our dependence on oil. We simply cannot continue with existing levels of car and air travel.
"New lines such as the one proposed along the West Coast must serve city centres and connect well with the existing network to ensure that we maintain and enhance existing communities and prevent further urban sprawl. These are all essential factors in the path to a lower carbon future.
"We now look forward to clear government commitment to more sustainable transport modes both within the UK and to mainland Europe. The time for talking is over; it's now time for action."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
[1] Transform Scotland is the national sustainable transport alliance, bringing together rail, bus and shipping operators, local authorities, national environment and conservation groups, businesses and local transport groups - see <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/our-members.aspx> for details.
[2] Network Rail's news release is available at <http://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4625&NewsAreaID=2&SearchCategoryID=2>.
[3] Transform Scotland's evidence to the Scottish Parliament on its inquiry into high-speed rail is available at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/GetFile.aspx?ItemId=93> and a briefing paper subsequently produced (April 2009) is available at <http://www.transformscotland.org.uk/GetFile.aspx?ItemId=176>.
END OF NEWS RELEASE