Proposals for high-speed rail network confirmed

Date: 6/10/2010

Plans have been announced for a high-speed train network connecting London with the North West and South Yorkshire.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the government's commitment to the proposals, which it will consult on early next year.

He said the coalition's preference is for a 'Y'-shaped route with two corridors north of Birmingham - one directly to Manchester and the other to Leeds via South Yorkshire.

This project "will make rail the mode of choice for most inter-city journeys within the UK and for many beyond," Mr Hammond claimed.

The network "will change the social and economic geography of Britain" and transform the way the UK functions as significantly as the building of the original railways did in the 19th century, he continued.

Last month, Local Transport Minister Norman Baker rolled out plans for a new fund that aims to encourage more sustainable travel and persuade councils to develop policies that reduce carbon emissions and improve safety.

Posted by Mary Treen