Mike O'Brien

Consultation Process on High Speed Rail Proposals

 On 11^th March 2010, Lord Adonis published the Command Paper High Speed Rail setting out the preferred route option for a high speed rail link between London and the West Midlands.  The full Command Paper can be found at the following link: www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail, along with detailed maps and supporting documents.

 The current proposals are subject to a 4-6 month public consultation process which will take place in the autumn.  This is when the public will be able to make their views on the proposals known and voice any concerns they have.  Details on the consultation process can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/rail/pi/highspeedrail/hs2ltd/engagement/.  The start date for this process is yet to be announced; however, anyone who would like Mike O'Brien MP keep them updated with such information can fill in one of the contact forms provided. 

 Preliminary Consultation on Exceptional Hardship Scheme

Before the commencement of the consultation on the adoption of the preferred route option, the Department for Transport is holding a public consultation on the establishment of an Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) for those owner-occupiers with houses the prices of which may be adversely affected by the publication of the preferred route option.  This consultation closes on 20^th May 2010.  The full report on the Exceptional Hardship Scheme Consultation Process is available at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/2010-18/, and if you have any questions regarding the process, you can call the EHS enquiry line on 020 7944 4908.  Members of the public may submit their views on this scheme in writing to:

High Speed Two Ltd - Exceptional Hardship Scheme Consultation

55 Victoria Street

London

SW1H 0EU

Or

ehsconsultation@hs2.gsi.gov.uk

Provisional Timeline

March 2010 - Government published proposals for high speed rail and issued Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation.

 Before Autumn 2010 - further engagement work and consultation preparation.

 Autumn 2010 - formal public consultation.

 2011 - Government decides whether to proceed on proposed route for London and     Birmingham.

 2011-2013 - further detailed design and assessment of the route.

 2013 - further public consultation.

 2014 - Hybrid Bill laid in House of Commons.

 2019 - construction could start.

 2026 - line between London and Birmingham could open.

 For more information, visit www.dft.gov.uk/highspeedrail