IET comments on flaws in HS2 plans

Chris Richards, Transport Policy Advisor at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) said: “In our response to the Department for Transport consultation we made it clear that there were potential flaws in the analysis, several assumptions were made in crucial areas and serious questions have been left unanswered.

“The report backs up our concerns as the original High Speed 1 business case was based on journey time saving benefits and increased rail capacity. The total value of these benefits is not known as the Department for Transport has not yet developed a method to evaluate HS1 project costs against benefits, despite this forming part of the High Speed 2 justification.

“High Speed 2 is a project of major national significance, if we get this wrong, we will regret it for decades to come.”

ENDS

• The IET’s response to the High Speed 2 consultation can be found at: http://www.theiet.org/policy/submissions/s895.cfm

• Interview opportunities are available with IET transport policy experts.

• The IET is Europe’s largest professional body of engineers and a source of essential engineering intelligence.

• For more information, visit www.theiet.org