South East Forum For Sustainability

The consultation on HS2 was launched on 28 February and continues until 29 July. SEFS is considering producing a response, if that would add value to those being produced by other organisations. SEFS Core Transport Group will act as a focal point for members on this issue.

Although in sympathy with many of the goals set out in the consultation, including increasing capacity on the rail network, SEFS is opposed to the project as it is proposed.

We have noted the proposed mitigation measures to address the environmental impacts of the scheme but we consider that they fall far short of acceptable.

We are not convinced that this particular project will achieve the claimed benefits in respect of CO₂ reductions or modal shift.

Over the coming weeks we will post on the SEFS website what we consider to be our key issues, with a focus on alternative route options and objectives to meet sustainable transport goals.

Details of the consultation which runs until 29^th July and associated events can be seen on the DFT website

The meantime members have been developing their positions and current (everyone is still evolving policies and positions) details can be found below:

i) RSPB on their website
ii) Friends of the Earth briefing click here
iii) Friends of the Earth press release 20.12.10
iv) RailFuture press release December 2010
v) Wildlife Trust press release December 2010
vi) Berks, Bucks & Oxon press release December 2010
vii) CPRE briefing Getting Back on Track
viii) Campaign for Better Transport – Richard Hebditch Blog March 2011
ix) Right Lines Charter
x) Right Lines Charter – press release

In the meantime SEFS framework for developing it’s response to HS2 is outlined in our transport principles below:
1) We support the development of a National Rail Network which is efficient, convenient, reliable and comfortable to use and has competitively priced services.
2) SEFS is in favour of a longer-term strategic approach to the development of the network and supports the argument that there are capacity issues to be resolved if individuals and companies are to be encouraged to use rail rather than car, lorry or aircraft.
3) SEFS supports transport policies and schemes which are likely to lead to a shift from current journeys by road and air to more sustainable transport modes.
4) SEFS is in favour of reducing the need to travel and views with concern policies and interventions which might lead to an increased number of longer journeys.
5) SEFS supports transport policies and interventions which are likely to lead to a decrease in the overall climate-change emissions from the sector and a diminution in its ecological footprint.
6) SEFS is opposed to the construction of hard infrastructure which will or is likely to damage SSSIs and ancient woodlands, harm biodiversity, intrude on quality landscapes, sever wildlife corridors or damage the historic built environment.

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