HS2 is too far down line to fix, says tsar

A LACK of early scrutiny of HS2 has left the project “goldplated” and too far down the line to fix, the government’s infrastructure tsar has said.

Nick Smallwood, chief executive for the Infrastructure Projects Authority, criticised HS2 in the early stages and suggested that his body was unable to properly scrutinise the plans.

“Gold plated” is construction speak for being overdesigned and including needless elements.

Mr Smallwood was giving evidence last week as part of a House of Lords Built Environment Committee. He said: “In my view the scope is gold-plated and it is too late.”

A Department for Transport spokesman said: “We’re committed to delivering HS2 on time. We publish sixmonthly reviews to monitor cost and productivity.”