The Capacity Tortoise And The High Speed Hare

The Government has set out its case for HS2 in a handy leaflet, Investing in Britain's Future - Why we need HS2, published on 29 October. In case you do not have time to read all seven pages, here is a "high-speed" summary:

Investment for growth

Britain needs to invest in transport infrastructure to support a robust, competitive economy - creating homes and long-term jobs, supporting city-centre regeneration and major development schemes. The Government is already investing in transport, for example, extra capacity on motorways, in Crossrail, the Northern Hub, rail electrification and so on.

Demand growing

Long-distance rail demand is growing with the West Coast Main Line at full capacity (despite recent upgrades) and existing trains full at peak times.