26.10.17
Campaign for Better Transport calls on DfT for new funding for track and stations
A new Rail Development Fund to pay for the construction of new track and stations across the UK has been recommended by the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT).
The organisation has penned a letter to transport secretary Chris Grayling which advises the launch of a new cash supply specifically dedicated to the development of new infrastructure.
CBT based its conclusions on the recent ‘Expanding the Railways’ report – a joint venture between the campaign and the DfT – which was meant to create a framework for rail projects to follow from inception through to completion.
The statement follows news that the government will be allotting £48bn of grants and rail revenue to rail spending in CP6.
Although much has changed in rail since the 1960s, the report points to the famous ‘Beeching Axe’ of that period and the gaps which it left in popular and longstanding local services.
Stephen Joseph, CBT’s chief executive, commented: “There a huge is demand for new or reinstated rail connections out there, but very few means of making them a reality.
“We regularly hear from local authorities, developers and communities with very good proposals who have reached a brick wall when it comes to funding.
“That’s why we’re asking the transport secretary to create a new Network Development Fund and help reverse some of the damage done to our railways by Dr Beeching’s hatchet job more than sixty years ago.”
Currently there is a lack of clear direction for new rail expansion projects – although more than 200 proposals came up during the development review, many to reopen disused services.
The Rail Development Fund plans would streamline these projects and help to fund them from one central source.
“Passenger numbers have more than doubled in the past 20 years and our country’s railways need to adapt to cope with this and future demands,” a DfT spokesperson told RTM. “That is why we are investing over £40bn in our network, including around £15bn on rail enhancements as part of the biggest rail modernisation programme for over a century.
“This includes investing in new stations and services across the country. We continue to look at how we can further improve rail journeys for passengers.”
Top image: Dominic Lipinski, PA Wire
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