High-speed rail ‘the viable alternative to Heathrow expansion’ says RMT

Publication Date: June 24 2008

INVESTMENT IN high-speed rail would make a controversial third runway at Heathrow unnecessary and provide an environmentally friendlier alternative to tens of thousands of short-haul flights, says a report published today by specialist transport union RMT.

High-speed rail would create tens of thousands of jobs - including at Heathrow - would provide a cleaner option than airport expansion and would bring a bigger financial return, says the report, compiled for RMT by the Campaign for Better Transport.

Who says there is no alternative?points out that well over a third of flights from Heathrow are short-haul, that more than 20 per cent serve destinations already served by a viable rail alternative, and that 20 per cent more are to places where rail is the potential alternative.

It also shows that where high-speed rail links have been opened there has been a significant switch from air to rail, and that the UK is in danger of being left behind as countries like Spain reap the benefits of massive rail investment.

"This report shows that high-speed rail can provide a win-win solution for the economy and the environment," RMT general secretary Bob Crow said at the union's annual conference in Nottingham today.

"Paris remains Heathrow's top destination and there are as many flights leaving for Edinburgh as for New York, and if we provide a viable, fast and sustainable alternative to short-haul flights the case for Heathrow expansion would evaporate.

"Our report underlines the urgency of the review announced by Network Rail and for the government to ensure that it acts swiftly to reap the clear environmental and economic benefits that high-speed rail can bring," Bob Crow said.

"This report proves conclusively that there is a rail alternative to Heathrow expansion and undermines totally the argument for a new runway and sixth terminal," said MP John McDonnell, chair of RMT's parliamentary group.

"It should provide the basis upon which the government thinks again," added John McDonnell, whose Hayes and Harlington constituency includes Heathrow.

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Notes to editors: the report Who says there is no alternaive? has been compiled for RMT by John Stewart, chair of the Campaign for Better Transport. To read the reportr click on the pdf link below.