The HS2 consultation by DfT/HS2 Ltd is now closed, as of 29 July 2011.  Further information about the consultation can be found at http://highspeedrail.dft.gov.uk/

Some 55,000 responses were returned, with more against the proposals than in favour. The report summarising the responses was published on 10 Jan 2012, the same day as the Government announced its decision to proceed with HS2. In July 2012 a further addendum report was issued as it had been discovered that over 400 responses, including that from HS2AA, had not been reviewed or included in the original summary. Then in September 2012 DfT admitted a further 722 answers to questions had been omitted. There is a mini websiste set up by Dialogue By Design that lets you see all the responses.

Final response on DfT/HS2 Ltd Consultation

The HS2AA final response on the DfT/HS2AA consultation is in two main documents and addresses each of the questions (Q1 to 6) and Q7 on compensation. These can also be found on our publications page.

More on the business case and the compensation options can be found on other pages of the website.

Each response to the question has a short summary at the start, and some have Appendices.

The response can also be viewed here in bite size chunks

Introduction

1. Question 1: Strategy and wider context
2. Question 2: The case for high speed rail
3. Question 3: How to deliver the proposed network
4. Question 4: The specification for the line
5. Question 5: The Route
6. Question 6: Appraisal of Sustainability
7. Question 7: Blight and compensation (summary and full response)

Introduction - Appendix 0.1 Six myths about HS2

Question 1 Appendices
Appendix 1.1: Rail Passenger Satisfaction Surveys
Appendix 1.2: Journey times in Europe
Appendix 1.3: DfT’s framework for economic impacts
Appendix 1.4: Network Rail’s Forecasts
Appendix 1.5: International experience of HSR

Question 2 Appendices
Appendix 2.1: Monetised assessment of HS2 (Phase 1 and Y)
Appendix 2.2: Summary of how alternatives meet demand
Appendix 2.3: Elements of Rail Package 2
Appendix 2.4: Misleading treatment of Rail Package 2
Appendix 2.5: Optimised Alternative

Question 3 Appendices
Appendix 3.1: Impact of HS2 on towns and cities
Appendix 3.2: Opinion polls

Question 7 Appendices
Annex A: Statutory arrangements
Annex B: Previous discretionary arrangements
Annex C: Interdepartmental Working Group on Blight
Annex D: Evidence of Government‘s commitment to consult on new on a scheme
Annex E: Human rights and compensation
Annex F: Technical Issues (relevant to Recommended Property Bond scheme)
Annex G: Recommended Property Bond Scheme
Annex H: Confirmation from Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) and British Banking Association (BBA), and National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA)

HS2AA have a number of leaflets and Q/A guides to help the public with their responses.

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London Assembly consultation response

The London Assembly called for input to their own response to DfT, particularly focusing on the issues of HS2 for London.

HS2AA provided a detailed response to the London Assembly on 5 July 2011.

A  summary extract gives a short overview of the particular problems for London.

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The Labour Transport Policy Review

Labour are also conducting a review of their transport policy.

HS2AA submitted their response on 25 July 2011. A short summary is also available.

We have also done a specific note on the facts about the North South divide. There is much misinformation on this point. The experts (including HS2 Ltd’s advisor) seem to agree that there is little evidence to suggest that benefits arise from schemes like HS2; and if they connect to a dominant capital city, then it’s that city that gains. This means it’s London, not the northern cities that are more likely to get such benefits and jobs as are going.

Maria Eagle (Shadow Secretary of State for Transport) has said that The Labour Party Review will have a cost of living focus. It will be guided by 3 principles:

1. Affordability
2. Sustainability
3. Community

The particular themes that they are asked for views on were:

• How can more affordable transport help to reduce inequality; increase social mobility, and address isolation in our society?
• Role of transport in contributing to economic growth and jobs: and how to better support transport manufacturing sector?
• How transport can best meet the threat from climate change, and what other threats and opportunities will affect our transport needs in the future?
• What changes could put local communities in the driving seat of transport decision making, and how could public transport services be better delivered?

HS2AA’s response shows how HS2 does not meet these principles or themes.