Keep it on track

BUILDING HS2 will remain hugely controversial before a single train runs… and probably after that too.

The real danger is the £56billion project will devour investment needed on existing lines, so supporters need to redouble efforts to boost public support – because householders, campaigners and MPs criticising the new routes are better motivated than most of those in favour of the high-speed rail link.

Every major initiative provokes opposition, including the now popular Eurostar route.

Greater rail capacity is vital but the case for HS2 isn’t producing a decent head of steam.