Does Britain really need French-style high speed rail?

Countries all over the world is embracing high speed rail, and Britain could be next. Steve Agg asks if it’s the best solution for us

steve agg is Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK - CILT(UK). Agg, a well-known figure in logistics, supply chain and public transport circles, joined the institute in May 2006. He was previously Managing Director Business Services for the Freight Transport Association.

steve agg is Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in the UK - CILT(UK). Agg, a well-known figure in logistics, supply chain and public transport circles, joined the institute in May 2006. He was previously Managing Director Business Services for the Freight Transport Association.

A French TGV Duplex power car

A French TGV Duplex power car

As you read this article, we may be on the point of achieving something almost unheard of in political debate around Britain’s transport network - political consensus for a high speed north-south line. The government is shortly due to pronounce its response to the report submitted by its subsidiary company, High Speed Two, just before the new year. With its rail-passionate secretary of state, Lord Adonis, who has a clear desire to leave a political legacy, that response is likely to be an...