DURING the course of the past two years, we have been subjected to many articles from the Government on the necessity of HS2.
It appears we are being slowly brainwashed by those who allege to know best into accepting this whole concept.
Firstly, I do not think there has ever been a Government project that has been completed either under, or on, budget. There is almost always an inevitability of extra costs.
So far, the early £40 billion price tag has risen, in some quarters, to as much as £70 billion.
Secondly, there are three major conurbations in the East Midlands – Derby, Leicester and Nottingham.
Does anyone still believe that the people of Leicester will board a train to travel north to change at Toton to go via Birmingham and then on to London?
If they feel that this will happen, I am astounded by their naivety.
Thirdly, taking into account both the final cost of production plus the loss of nearly a third of passengers from the East Midlands, I shudder to think what the cost of tickets will be for HS2 – Concorde prices?
Fourthly, electrification will bring more benefit to Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, especially if travelling on to Europe, as HS2 will require a change of stations in London to connect with HS1.
Lastly, it has been stated by the Transport Secretary that, owing to the expected growth in passenger numbers in the future, there must be many more trains to cope with this expected increase.
In the 1940s and 50s, trains regularly had 10 to 12 coaches. Electric trains will allow the same, so dealing with any increase in passenger numbers.
So who is leading whom up the garden path?
Peter Makin
Belper
