Consultation Responses

During summer 2008, it was announced that The Scottish Parliament’s Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee would hold an inquiry into the potential benefits of high-speed rail services.

The inquiry focuses on five key areas set out in the following remit:

• To identify the potential economic and environmental benefits to be gained through the development of a high-speed rail network linking Scotland with major English conurbations, London and Europe via High Speed 1;
• Options for ensuring that the existing rail network within Scotland can connect effectively with any high-speed network;
• The practicalities and costs of constructing a high-speed line and the different options for routes and train types;
• The potential for high-speed and improved links to achieve modal shift away from domestic aviation and long distance driving, as opposed to meeting increased overall demand; and
• To identify any barriers to the development of improved high-speed rail links.

The Committee was keen to hear the views of interested parties on the remit set out above to assist in its inquiry. In light of the Association's commitment to the development of high-speed rail that benefits the North East and the corporate commitment to explore and exploit opportunities for strategic connections north of the Border, between England and Scotland, the Association responded to the call for evidence with the attached submission.

View the response here.
View the High Speed WG Report here.