This
is not a firm proposal, it is an initial discussion document about how a new
franchise may operate. There is therefore every chance it may change.
The
comments about poor rail investment are simply untrue, we are seeing the biggest
investment in the railways for a generation. Between 1997 and 2010 just 9 miles
of track were electrified. This Government is electrifying over 800 miles of
track.
It
is something of a bitter irony that because of this record investment in
electrification, there is going to be a squeeze on the number of diesel units
available to run the non-electrified routes as there is obviously no incentive
to invest in new diesel units with lifespans of decades, when their future use
is limited. That is partly what drives this proposal for our route.
We
are pursuing electrification for our local routes, as the north bank has just
had electrification announced through to Hull. Again, this is not that simple
either as our route is very valuable and well used for freight. Freight
operators have not been as keen on electrification for a variety of reasons, but
that may be softening.
It
is important not over simplify this issue or to believe it is driven by a
dis-investment in rail, it is actually the reverse.
Martin
Vickers MP (for Cleethorpes) and I are fighting this on two fronts. Of course we oppose the
initial consultation (which is also based on low usage numbers beyond Sheffield)
but we are also seeking a feasibility study into electrification through to
Cleethorpes, too. Electrification remains one of the best ways of securing direct
services.
I
hope this is of interest and thank you for your support on this matter.
Regards
Andrew
Percy MP
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