BCC: High-speed rail not enough
Jul 22 2008
Having a high-speed rail network is not enough to solve the business disadvantages caused by a 'crumbling transport infrastructure', according to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).
The business group claims that while the recommendations mooted by the anti-Heathrow 2M Group would help ease congestion and be good for the environment, the government needs to do more.
David Frost, director general of the BCC, says that high-speed rail is necessary but business also needs to see the expansion of Heathrow airport to help with trade and international travel.
He explains: 'UK plc also needs Heathrow expansion if we want to continue to compete with larger European hubs, otherwise we risk losing our reputation as one of the best places in the world to do business.'
The 2M Group believes that a high-speed rail network would enable easy and fast travel from any city in the UK to any place in Europe - eliminating the need for a third runway at Heathrow.
The business group claims that while the recommendations mooted by the anti-Heathrow 2M Group would help ease congestion and be good for the environment, the government needs to do more.
David Frost, director general of the BCC, says that high-speed rail is necessary but business also needs to see the expansion of Heathrow airport to help with trade and international travel.
He explains: 'UK plc also needs Heathrow expansion if we want to continue to compete with larger European hubs, otherwise we risk losing our reputation as one of the best places in the world to do business.'
The 2M Group believes that a high-speed rail network would enable easy and fast travel from any city in the UK to any place in Europe - eliminating the need for a third runway at Heathrow.