Author: Brown, Richard;
Published: 8
December
2008
Abstract
The launch of high speed 1 has transformed travel between the UK and continental Europe, significantly reducing journey times and encouraging phenomenal growth in travellers from across the UK regions. As the UK's roads and railways come under increasing strain, the development of further high speed lines across the UK have the potential to bring serious capacity relief to the transport network. The advantages of high speed rail can be measured in both environmental and economic terms; providing a form of transport that is far less carbon intensive alternative to flying and driving, and enabling regional centres to exploit the economic strength of London and the South East. As the European high speed rail network expands apace, public and political opinion is fast moving behind the case for high speed rail in the UK.