Transport

Two stories that conflict. Once again the last 48 hours have shown the weaknesses in the British transport infrastructure. Our major airport has ground to a halt, as snow blocks runways and planes ice up on their stands. Thousands left stranded in departure lounges. Meanwhile some roads are again impassable and delays become near inevitable often as the result of lorries and commercial vehicles being unable to cope with the weather conditions. Finally the rail network is beset with delays and cancellations.

The public are beginning to ask why do we not do better ? The old line about snow catches us ill -prepared because its so infrequent doesn't really wash any longer. How ironic then that today the government have revealed the proposed route for a high speed rail connection linking London to Birmingham. There is plenty of opposition most of which reeks of nimbyism, however it would be worth arguing that what available investment there is should be spent upgrading existing services and ensuring the country moves when snow falls. The high speed train will it is stated sharve 40 minutes off the journey time. Is speed that important ? The bulk of the population would just like to be able to move about the country without delays, cancellations, and with a fare structure that was easy to understand and transparent.Some hope.