High Court ruling 'landmark victory' for HS2

Date: 18/3/2013

High Speed Rail Minister Simon Burns has praised the High Court's decision to dismiss nine out of ten challenges to the HS2 scheme as a "landmark victory."

Only one of the issues that were put before the Honourable Mr Justice Ouseley was upheld - that of the way in which property compensation consultations had been carried out.

However, the remaining nine were all dismissed, with the judge agreeing that it was lawful for the Government to rule out the potential of upgrading the existing network as a credible alternative to the high speed initiative.

It was also ruled that the Government's approach to consultation on the HS2 strategy/phase one route, environmental assessment and consideration of the impact on habitats and protected species had all been carried out in accordance with the law.

"The judge has categorically given the green light for the Government to press ahead without delay in building a high speed railway from London to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds," Mr Burns said.

"HS2 is the most significant infrastructure investment the UK has seen in modern times and a project the country cannot afford to do without. The judgement ensures that nothing now stands in the way of taking our plans to Parliament.

"We will now move forward as planned with the crucial business of getting the scheme ready for construction in 2017."

Mr Burns added that the Government will reconsult on the issue of property compensation, but stressed that this will not delay the plans to push ahead with HS2.

Indeed, he explained that the authorities remain "fully committed" to fairly compensating people who are affected by the project.

The next stage for HS2 involves a consultation on the draft environmental statement in spring and the deposit of a hybrid bill by the end of 2013, with phase one of the high speed line scheduled to open in 2026.

Posted by Sarah Bailey

Transport Research News and Vehicle Safety News