Improvements to existing intercity and commuter lines more important than HS2, say directors

A new comprehensive survey of over 1,200 IoD members reveals that the government's plans for a High Speed rail network are a long way down the list of business transport priorities.

Significant numbers also think that the high speed line would represent poor value for money.

The survey, which asked directors for their priorities for new investment as well as their views on the current state of Britain’s transport infrastructure, also reveals that business leaders think that improvements to existing roads are more important than new roads.

Simon Walker, Director General of the Institute of Directors, said:

“Good transport infrastructure is crucial to IoD members up and down the country. Businesses are not happy with the current state of the UK’s infrastructure, but our survey of IoD members shows that directors want to see improvements to existing roads and rail services above all. In straightened times, choices will have to be made between some improvements to existing rail lines and a new high speed line, and we want to see the Government take the business view seriously.”

The age of the train

Are we entering a new golden age of public transport?

Maybe.The government today in the form of Transport secretary Lord Adonis announced plans for a high speed rail link.

The initial section of the high speed link would run from London Euston to Birmingham but controversilly rules out a link to Heathrow.

Whether this will see the light is another matter.The plans are not due to start until 2017
and will have to go through a public consultion.On top of that it will run through the Chilterns,prime Middle England territory.

If the Tories win the election they maintain that the integration of the proposed rail network with Heathrow will be crucial in maximising the economic benefits of high-speed rail.

More importantlt though they want it to be priavtely funded which may well scupper any chance of this evergoing ahead.