13.05.16
DfT rejects calls for greater role in improving airport rail connections
Recommendations from MPs that the DfT takes a more active role in improving rail connections to airports have been rejected.
In a report, published in February, the Transport Select Committee said that rail connections were crucial for improving access to airports and urged the government to do more to develop them.
However, in its response the DfT has said it believes a number of the recommendations either fall outside its remit or are already covered by existing work in this area.
For example, in response to the recommendation that as a first step the department should publish plans which show how it will improve signposting to public surface transport options at airports, the department replied that airport operators were “best placed” to do so.
Similarly, when asked how the department would encourage local authorities, Network Rail and Highways England to avoid simultaneous rail and road closures on the same route, it said engagement in this area was already good and any further government oversight was “unnecessary”.
In response to concerns raised by the committee about the government’s failure to clarify how HS2 will be used to improve airport access, the department said that it will include plans for airport connectivity when it announces the preferred route decision for phase 2 this autumn.
It also confirmed that it supports an HS2 station at Manchester Airport if appropriate local funding can be found.
In response to the recommendation that it work more closely with airport operators when delivering smart ticketing across the country, the department replied that individual operators and local authorities were best placed to deliver smart ticketing.
(Image c. Heathrow)
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