HS2 Project in Britain - Essay Example

HS2 railway Controversies have crippled the HS2 project in Britain. It has received criticism from many members of parliament because of its new cost. Some members of parliament have argued that the costs and benefits of the high-speed railway line continue to decline since it would dig deeper into the taxpayers’ pockets. However, Lord Heseltine thought that it was necessary to continue with the forty billion pounds project since it was reasonable rather than a waste on its national value for taxpayers’ money. The legislature further stated that the project made sense because of the economic value it had on the British economy. The HS2 railway would be a great investment for the United Kingdom (Cowen, 2011). Since the railway line will run from London to Leeds and then Manchester, it would ease congestion on Britain’s railway line. However, critics of the projects argue that high-speed railway would not benefit the country accordingly because of the price tag. Despite the opposition, it is rational to argue that the HS2 project is a necessity in Britain. Given enormous growth in freight and passengers, the new line would help ease these problems. Having high-speed railway line in Britain would mean expansion and growth of areas outside London. As discussed in the paper, the HS2 railway line would contribute a lot to the economy of Britain. The benefits of the projects justify the revised costs given its long-term investment (Nash, 2010). The high-speed railway line in Britain will open up the region and in turn encourage trade among European nations. This project means that Britain has embarked on expanding its international trade, taking advantage of the newly competitive exchange rate to penetrate new markets. It will encourage new foreign investments, expand and ameliorate its tourism industry and improve the education and skills base to continue providing a platform for new employment. In addition, under the Economic Recovery Plan of Britain, the government with the new project will appreciate the role of the public sector in economic growth. The project has also mobilized a variety of cross-public activities, which are aimed at supporting the Scottish economy through the effects of the global recession (Nash, 201). With the aim of escalating economic recovery in the Northeast England, the approval of the High-speed railway will encourage competition among firms in Northeast England. The project will aim at making the Northeast region a more cohesive, ambitious, and attractive for investment and working based on the creation of a more modern, innovative and focused economy, which is, enhances the effective exploitation of economic and social opportunities associated. It is also aimed at strengthening the regions’ entrepreneurial culture and expanding the region’s business base thus consequently expanding the regional economy and developing a society that is self reliant and confident of its ability to compete in the global economy. In addition, the Forty Billion pounds project is a lucrative investment in Britain’s history, which will see the country experience tremendous growth. For instance, all sectors in Britain from mining to transport would benefit from the project. The manufacturing, Financial and Business Services, Britain’s most important industries, would record commendable growth. Safety of the rail became a major issue especially after the fatal derailments in various countries of the world. As response to this, the British government needs to design and implement programs and policies that promote and support usage of intercity, tourist passenger and commuter rail services in major corridors, urban centers, and regions across the country. These are the reasons why some British legislatures advocate for the construction of the high-speed railway line. In terms of landmass, Britain is considered as one of the largest world countries. Like other developed nation in the world, Britain spent a lot on transit from one coast to the other. The service of passenger rail offers an efficient way to commute and travel. It further provides opportunity for improved access and mobility in travel corridors. Investments improving quality commuter and intercity rail service motivate economic growth and development in the community by creating jobs, increase mobility and influencing on decisions regarding housing and business location. Reports show that in 2011, approximately 68,000 fuel oil carloads and crude petroleum were transported in world railway lines. The figure rose in the year 2012 to approximately 113,000. Within the months of January and September in the year 2013, which provides the most recent data, approximately 118,000 carloads has been ferried via rail according to reports. Britain therefore requires high-speed railway that will work will work other railway companies to inform municipalities and provinces whenever they transport dangerous goods in their community. The new high-speed rail will incorporate both the passenger and cargo rail resurgence, which depicts the recognition of the benefits of rail transportation. The freight corridors currently available in the urban centers need to accommodate commuter rail services. Municipal, provincial, and federal governments have to make additional investments to increase the capacity of the corridors, which should be able to accommodate the increasing rail service. In the recent years, transportation of dangerous good has increased. It is vital that everyone involved in the chain of supply to understand simple concepts of handling, storing and transporting dangerous goods in order to reduce and avoid the risk involved in such activities. An act on railway safety will regulate and promote the safety of the operations of the railway. The main objectives of the project are to provide safety of the personnel and public, property protection and environment while in the railway operation (Padova, 2013). Interested parties get encouraged to collaborate and participate in railway safety improvement. Modern, efficient, and flexible regulatory systems ensure continuity in railway safety development. The new high-speed railway will relate with Railway companies to create working and safety management systems (SMSs) (Lovoie, 2013). Such formal plans foster organizational safety culture by passing on accountability and responsibility for safety in all levels. Transport Britain should audit the SMSs to ensure efficiency in rail operation. For railway companies to transport dangerous goods, they should detail the qualification of the persons handling and transporting the dangerous goods. All the dangerous goods should be well and clearly labeled. The new railway will incorporate modern technology that would detail their response to emergency and plans for assistance (Padova, 2013). The location and corridor for the railcar training having the dangerous goods need to be stated by the rail companies. Inspection should also be done to the railway vehicles having dangerous goods. British railway firms will work with provinces and municipalities so that they are notified whenever dangerous goods pass in these places. The federal government needs to work closer with the local government to ensure safety for such goods and the local public at large. Environmental issues and effects need to be considered too. Due to the risks involved, some provincial and municipal governments may need to impose some levy to the transportation of the goods. Hazard notification need to be placed clearly so as the public can be aware of the nature of the goods being transported in such regions. Implementing mandatory reporting will enable the local governments to estimate the revenue generated by such goods. Risk management will also be on high alert as every stakeholder will be alerted. On the other hand, possible revelation of dangerous goods passing through certain regions might be security threat and challenge. This will be a suitable target by terror groups and criminals whenever they lay their hands on such reports. Britain need to construct the new railway line because it wants to be like Australia that has developed mechanisms that are more efficient and effective while ensuring the safety of goods that are dangerous in their regions (Manson & Watt, 2013). In conclusion, rail transport is more effective due to its economic importance in Britain and the entire Europe. While encouraging it, proper policies are needed in place to ensure safety transportation of goods in the provinces and municipalities at the same time ensuring the confidentiality of the goods. It is rational to argue that there is no doubt in Britain government as to the significance of its railway network. For instance, the government would upgrade Reading, Manchester, London, Leeds and other important towns in Britain. Further, the government would ensure that it electrifies all major rail stations in order to ensure safety of people, goods, and ease congestion in major towns. Bibliography Cowen, C, 2011, Modern Principles of economics. (2nd ed.). New York: Worth Publishers. Lovoie, A. (2013). Key issues in railway transport safety. Retrieved 18 January 2014 from http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/ResearchPublications/2013-89-e.htm Mason, R & Watt, N, 2013, November 12, HS2 cost‐benefit estimates are mumbo Jumbo, says Heseltine. The Guardian. Nash, C, 2010, Current debates on the cost‐benefit analysis of transport projects in Great Britain. Cuadernos económicos de ICE, (80), 63‐80. Padova, A. (2013). Safety management systems: A better approach for transportation safety? Ottawa: Library of Parliament. Read More