§ Jane GriffithsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what account the multi-modal study of the London to South West Corridor announced in the Trunk Roads Review will take of the Railtrack report on the feasibility of reducing the peripherality of the western extremities of the rail network. [86197]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonA key objective of the London to South West and South Wales multi-modal study is to examine the scope for reducing congestion by better management and modal shift. The study will, therefore, encompass the main rail routes, and assess the potential for encouraging the transfer of passenger and freight trips from road to rail. The Railtrack report has already indicated that the railway to Penzance can be upgraded to provide higher speeds with corresponding reductions in journey times to London, reducing the peripherality of the far south-west. The report also considers enhancement of the freight gauge and the provision of intermodal terminals. We will ensure that its findings are taken into account in the multi-modal study.
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