HS2

Hs2 stands High Speed 2, which is a proposedhigh speed rail link that the Government has proposed should be built linking London first to Birmingham, then Manchester and Leedsand eventually Glasgow. High Speed 1 has already been built and linksthe Channel Tunnel to London

Many people argue that HS2 is a very important project and must be completed. Key points made to support the idea include: It will reduce the North-South divide that currently exists, creating wealth in many towns and cities in the North The completion of the project itself will take many years and will itself generate lots of jobs in the construction sector Our current rail network is very close to full capacity and the new line is required toreduce overcrowding on our other networks The HS2 trains will dramatically reduce journey times and are planned to be among the fastest in the world Large amounts of freight will be able to be moved quickly and efficiently around the country and will reduce the number of lorries and hence congestion and pollution on the motorways

The company responsible for the HS2 Project is HS2 LTD

Click for the link HERE

Many people are against the idea of HS2 and say the project must not go aheadKey points made to support this argument include: The construction of the line will be very expensive, particularly at a time when the country is facing great financial pressure The Route cuts through a great deal of countryside which will be destroyed as a result. Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty such as the Chilterns will be destroyed for ever. Habitats and feeding areas for many wild creatures such as protected Bechstein’s batswill be destroyed The trains are very noisy and will generate a lot of noise pollution Those communities most affected by the line will not be able to use it because there areso few stops Time-savings made are minimal and not worth the cost involved. It is argued thattechnology such as video-conferencing will reduce demand for business travel by the timethe project is completed.

To go to their website click HERE

The main organisation fighting against HS2 is the Anti-HS2 Alliance

News report on HS2

BBC News article on HS2