Newsdesk
Improving rail options in Kent
13th February 2003The Strategic Rail Authority is consulting the public about future rail services in Kent. By 15th April 2003, East Kent Green Party is advocating people write to the Strategic Rail Authority, 55, Victoria Street, London SW1H OEU to comment on the suggested options. Details of the options for Kent can also be obtained from this address(1) . East Kent Green Party is suggesting a number of topics which need attention. Steve Dawe comments:
"At present, rail franchisees can operate services with no service obligation for cyclists and no walking strategies for major stations. Improvements in Kent services may mean new traffic generation around stations unless the public insist upon new cycling and walking policies to avoid traffic growth. This would be consistent with local transport strategies, adopted by local councils, to reduce car dependency and decrease noise and air pollution. This is valuable for public health and for ensuring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which have risen in Britain during the last two years.
"The Consultation Document does not consider each suggested option for service adequately. For example, the way a new service might be integrated with existing or future public transport links is not considered. The options, alongside population growth at Ashford and elsewhere, need to be assessed in relation to their energy demand they will require. We already have the example of new trains not running in Kent because of energy supply shortages." ENDS C240 words
FURTHER INFORMATION: Steve Dawe on 01233 645167/07904 382203. Contact address: 10 Hillbrow Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4QH Notes: 1. The full consultation document is available on the Strategic Rail Authority website at www.sra.gov.uk The new Kent franchise will be in operation from 1.1.2007, but consultation is necessary now since catering for one or more of the 6 options suggested by the SRA will take years of construction time. The High Speed Link from St.Pancras to Ashford alone will not be completed until 2007.
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