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Tom BrakeLiberal Democrat MP for Carshalton and Wallington |
Tom Brake Says Carshalton and Wallington Relies on Rail
July 20, 2010 9:00 AM
Local MP, Tom Brake, has added his support to a parliamentary motion highlighting the extent to which British businesses and the economy rely on rail.
The motion, which has been laid in Parliament as the Government begins to make decisions about spending cuts, calls on the Government to recognise that more people are now travelling by rail than ever before and that major rail improvement projects boost the economy.
Every year 1 billion of the 1.3 billion passenger journeys made by rail are people commuting or travelling for business. Rail freight also transports 100 million tonnes of goods every year worth £30 billion.
In 25 years time there are expected to be 80% more people commuting by rail and freight demand is forecast to go up by 70%.
Commenting, Tom Brake said:
"People in Carshalton and Wallington rely on rail. It gets them to and from work and allows leisure journeys too. Even those who are not regular passengers reap the benefit of less road congestion and the vital role rail freight plays in transporting everyday goods and fuelling the economy."
He added:
"We all know there are tough spending decisions to be made in the coming weeks and months but it is vital that the government does not make cuts to rail investment that could damage the local and national economy by not enabling future growth. This is why I am pleased to have been able to add my name to this parliamentary motion."
EDM 274
ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF RAIL TRANSPORT
17.06.2010
Stewart, Iain
That this House recognises that Britain relies on rail transport; notes that every year 1.3 billion passenger journeys are made by rail and that rail freight carries 100 million tonnes of goods; further recognises that at peak times the busiest parts of the rail network are full, trains are overcrowded and that passenger and freight demand continue to grow; notes that the annual cost of road congestion to the economy is already estimated to be £7-8 billion; believes that investment in infrastructure is necessary to stimulate business investment in Britain's towns and cities and boost economic recovery; further recognises that current major rail capacity enhancement projects bring economic benefits to Britain; and calls on the Government to consider the economic benefits of rail schemes when determining value for money projects in the Comprehensive Spending Review.
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