Reports showing £800m of HS2 benefits are backed
COUNCILLORS have approved reports which set out how HS2 could deliver up to £800m of extra benefits to the Leeds and Sheffield city regions.
Under current proposals, the new HS2 line in Yorkshire would not be used as intensively as other parts of the line, with only 10 high-speed trains per hour. The reports point out that greater integration with the improved existing local rail networks would create increased capacity for additional passenger and freight trains.
This includes opportunities for a direct, hourly service between Bradford and London and quicker journey times between Wakefield and London via the East Coast Main Line.
Other measures such as improving road and other transport connections to the HS2 stations, quick and seamless links between HS2 and existing rail stations and reviewing Local Transport Plans to make sure they contribute to ensuring the Leeds City Region can get the most out of the new link from day one, are also in the reports.
The West Yorkshire Integrated Transport authority executive board approved the reports.
Metro chairman Cllr James Lewis said the reports, produced by consultants WSP and Steer Davies Gleave on behalf of Metro and South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executives, highlighted the importance of West Yorkshire and the Leeds City region being ‘HS2-ready’ by 2030 when the high-speed services are due to start.
He said: “The Government has forecast that HS2 will create over 13,000 new jobs in the Leeds City Region but these reports show even greater local benefits are possible.
“They make clear we need to be securing additional investment in our existing road and rail networks to ensure that when it arrives, we can wring the very most out of HS2 in terms of economic benefits and new jobs.
“HS2 is hugely important to the future of the Leeds City Region although it is important that the concerns of people who will be affected directly by the construction of the scheme are able to make their views known through the comprehensive public consultation process that was unveiled last week.”
HS2 chief executive, Alison Munro, said, “I very much welcome the report’s findings. It underlines how HS2 will act as an engine for growth helping to deliver significant economic benefits and job opportunities for Yorkshire. We are currently consulting on the route north of Birmingham through Sheffield and Leeds, and I hope we can work with local people to minimise its impact, while delivering a new transport system fit for the 21st century.”
The joint report is due to be considered by South Yorkshire Integrated Transport Authority in August and if approved, will be submitted to HS2 and the Department for Transport.
