CIHT Scotland has expressed its disappointment in the announcement that a proposed high speed route between Edinburgh to Glasgow has been delayed until a suitable cross-border route is identified. The Scottish Government's 2015 Infrastructure Investment Plan does not include any proposals for this project.
CIHT Scotland supports the delivery of a high speed rail network for the whole of the UK and was encouraged by previous indications that this line would be developed.
Neil Johnstone, Chair of the
CIHT Scottish Policy Forum said:
“High Speed rail to Scotland would bring benefits to the whole of the UK with the potential to achieve mode shift, environmental and economic gains.”
CIHT Scotland have made this announcement in a position statement setting out their view on High Speed Rail.
The statement says that High Speed Rail is vital to secure the UK’s future competitiveness and economic prosperity. While the investment case for high speed rail is strong, it is even more compelling when Scotland is an inherent part of it.
On behalf of this pan-Scotland forum, Neil says:
“We believe that a new high speed line must be built to Scotland to realise the fullest possible economic and environmental benefits for the whole of the UK. A high speed line would:
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Increase rail capacity to accommodate future demand;
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Significantly reduce journey times between Scotland and the rest of the UK’s major cities;
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Encourage modal shift from air and road, to rail;
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Preserve and enhance aviation links with London's airports;
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Bring benefit to businesses throughout Scotland; and,
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Enable the Glasgow and Edinburgh City Regions and the wider Scottish economy to remain competitive in attracting inward investment.”
A full version of the position statement is available
here.
About Us
The Scottish Policy Forum
The Scottish Policy Forum (SPF) is part of CIHT Scotland. SPF would ensure relevant transport technical and policy issues are brought to the attention of CIHT members across Scotland and would produce timely responses to the Scottish Government on public consultations. It will develop policy and technical updates for members with a specific Scottish context and generally provide a platform for greater stakeholder engagement in the new CIHT Scotland.
Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
CIHT is a membership organisation representing over 13,000 people who work in the highways and transportation sector.
CIHT members plan, design, build, operate and maintain best-in-class transport systems and infrastructure, whilst respecting the imperatives of improving safety, ensuring economic competitiveness and minimising environmental impact.
CIHT has tailored membership grades for professionals of all levels at any stage in their career.
CIHT supports its member's professional aspirations by:
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offering training, information, professional development and support
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providing routes to professional qualifications such as Chartered and Incorporated Engineer
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promoting the value added to society by the profession
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being the focused voice to Governments and other decision makers on transportation expertise and knowledge.
(Image: HS2)
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