High speed rail will boost economy - report (From Warrington Guardian)

High speed rail will boost economy - report

11:37am Friday 6th July 2012 in Business

HIGH speed rail network HS2 will lead to growth in the north west economy say its backers.

While HS2 is designed specifically for passenger travel, the efficiency of the line will free up the old West Coast Main Line (WCML) for more freight services.

Chris Howe, director of non-profit group HS2 North West, believes HS2 is vital for the area, stating “With pressure to provide more capacity for passenger services on the WCML there is fear that freight demand will have to be suppressed still further, which will damage the north west’s competitiveness and the region’s economy as a whole”.

As it stands rail freight plays a large part in the economy of the region, with export of locally produced goods as well as coal supplies making use of the WCML.

With both passenger and freight trains growing in demand, due mainly to the environmental impact of road travel, the development of a second line will prove vital in reducing crowding and delays.