Despite recent announcements by UK Transport Minister, Kim Howells, that the government would not be supporting its request for a Bill (T&TI, April, p14), Central Railway is adamant it will work to continue promoting the scheme.
It said it would continue to work forcefully to promote the merits of its proposals for a dedicated freight line linking the Channel Tunnel with the north west of England, which includes a 13km tunnel in Surrey. The Parliamentary Bill would have given Central Railway powers broadly in line with the Channel Tunnel Rail Link. Central Railway said its key objective now was obtaining the ability to begin the planning process, as this would allow the arguments for and against the scheme to be openly considered. Central Railway chairman, Andrew Gritten said: “We have worked as a team with financial and engineering experts to put all the parts in place for the project to move ahead. It has been tested by government for three years and there clearly remains a widespread feeling that this scheme must go ahead. We need to lay the foundations now for the long-term needs that the country has for more efficient freight transport.”
