HS2 review author welcomes steps for ‘proper governance’ of scheme
The man responsible for investigating the viability of the HS2 rail project has said that the costs for the scheme got “carried away” but said the line is still “much needed”.
Douglas Oakervee also welcomed the steps for “proper governance” of the scheme.
Last week, Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave the green light for the controversial high-speed rail link to be built, but said that to avoid “further blow outs” in HS2’s cost or schedule, a series of measures will be taken to “restore discipline to the programme”.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the decision, Oakervee said there had been an “issue” with multiple chairmen and secretaries of state being involved in HS2 since its inception.
He told BBC Midlands Today: “And they have always retained the 2015 prices which I don’t think is particularly right, I think they ought to be updated all the time so both the public and Parliament are fully aware of what those prices are.”
In 2015, it was estimated HS2’s cost would be £56bn, but the review has since warned it could soar to as much as £106bn.
However, the Oakervee Review strongly advised against cancelling HS2, saying it would benefit the transport system and there was no “shovel-ready” alternative upgrade for the existing railways.
The review also suggested using the private sector to develop new HS2 stations in a bid to cut costs.
“I think Curzon Street would benefit from a lot of private sector involvement, rather than building a station that will win many architectural prizes, at what cost,” said Oakervee.
HS2’s first phase was due to open at the end of 2026 but in September it was revealed that the first trains may not run until some time between 2028 and 2031.
The second phase was due to open in 2032-33, but that has been pushed back to 2035-40.
It is understood the Government intends to look again at the second phase covering the North, in order to try and identify cost savings as well as integrating these lines into the existing railways.
