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High-speed rail route announced
4 October 2010
Commenting on high speed rail plans unveiled by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond today [Monday 4 October 2010], Friends of the Earth's senior climate campaigner Tony Bosworth said:
"A fast and efficient electric high-speed rail system could help reduce domestic flights and car journeys, but it will only be a low-carbon travel alternative if it is powered by renewable energy.
"The Government must ensure that the new system will lead to an overall cut in carbon emissions from transport - if it doesn't it will take us in completely the wrong direction.
"Steps must be taken to minimise negative impacts of the new rail lines on the countryside and local people.
"Ministers should also consider reopening disused rail lines and stations and increasing the capacity and speed of existing tracks, which could provide better value for money for taxpayers than high speed rail."
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The Department for Transport has issued a press release on today's announcement.
If you're a journalist looking for press information please contact the Friends of the Earth media team on 020 7566 1649.
Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Oct 2010
