Greenpeace opppose Brown’s “sweetener” rail line

• Mar. 5 by Lucas Coe (2)

 

Greenpeace have opposed government plans for a high speed electric rail line linking London, Heathrow and Birmingham.

This is latest fall out concerning Heathrow’s controversial third runway.

The idea behind the proposal is to reduce the volume of cars, buses and taxis that drive into Heathrow from all areas of the country – in an effort to reduce vehicle carbon emissions and create the ‘green Heathrow’.

However, this ‘sweetener’ proposal by the government has not stopped firm opposition from the Conservative party and Greenpeace.

The Conservatives claim they would scrap plans for the third runway and build a high speed line between London, Birmingham and Leeds.

Greenpeace have actually bought surrounding areas of Heathrow to prevent aviation and rail expansion.

The organisation claim on their website: “If expansion goes ahead Heathrow will become the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the whole country. And the government’s plans to expand airports across the UK will make it impossible for us to meet our commitment to reduce emissions and stop runaway climate change.”

A new 200mph train line would reduce heavy rail congestion around Birmingham and reduce journey times to the capital to forty minutes.

Green Gauge 21 completed a report on the idea of a high speed rail line to and from Heathrow and stated that the idea could actually remove the need for a third runway: “If high speed rail is developed fully to serve Heathrow, it could remove a large part of the demand that would be met by the provision of the third runway.”

But proposals are expected to be completed for the third runway and high speed railway this month.