East Coast Main Line Route Utilisation Strategy Study
Report by:
Chris Budzynski, Environmental Maintenance Manager
Ward Implications:
All
1
Summary
1.1
East Coast Main Line [ECML] is one of the busiest and most successful railway lines in the Country. This study considers the future of ECML and associated routes over the next 10 years. The strategy sets out a series of options to meet rising demand.
2
Recommendations
2.1
To welcome the study and raise concerns regarding proposals to open a station at Reston.
2.2
To welcome the creation of a new even-interval timetable which would give a better spread calling pattern at Berwick Station, which must not reduce the current level of service provided.
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Report
3.1
Improving transport is a Priority for the Council (Priority No 10: Influencing Transport Improvements). We therefore welcome the opportunity to comment on this document.
3.2
Improved rail capacity is a central element of the Government’s plant for effective delivery of its wider objectives. The aim of this study is to identify a strategy for accommodating growth on the railway in a way that is deliverable, affordable and consistent with performance and safety improvements.
3.3
The study looks at major and other improvements to increase capacity and performance between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross.
3.4
At a regional level, several options have been proposed between Edinburgh and Newcastle.
• improvements to the spread of services across the timetable
• semi-fast service
• Berwick-Edinburgh local service
However, these options are either not recommended in the form tested or recommended in isolation although the concept of a Newcastle-Edinburgh semi fast service coupled with other options could be developed into a viable proposition.
The possibility of opening a station at Reston has been identified by a number of groups/bodies who have been campaigning for some time now.
However, there are concerns that the provision of a station at Reston coupled with a new service would have a detrimental effect on the future level of service at Berwick Station.
The Study looks at performance and the need to improve journey times between the major cities especially Edinburgh-London. It is felt that the introduction of a local service would result in fewer high speed trains calling at Berwick which would require passengers travelling south to change at Newcastle.
4
Implications
4.1
Comments from the Council’s Section 151 Officer
None arising directly from this report.
4.2
Comments from the Council’s Monitoring Officer
None arising directly from this report.
4.3
Comments from the Head of Paid Service
None arising directly from this report.
4.4
Local Agenda 21
None
4.5
Equality
None
4.6
Crime and Disorder
None
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Report Author
5.1
Chris Budzynski, Environmental Maintenance Manager (01289) 301801 email cjb@berwick-upon-tweed.gov.uk
