Planning and legislation

More information about the HS2 consultation. Planning and Legislation factsheets include:

• Alternative Routes Considered – “Route 1.5” Via Heathrow
• Alternative Routes Considered – “Route 2.5”
• Alternative Routes Considered – “Route 4”
• Arrangements for dealing with property blight
• Connecting to Heathrow
• Exceptional Hardship Scheme
• Fares on Long Distance Rail and HS2 (London to West Midlands)
• Forward Timetable
• Future Demand for Long Distance Travel
• Government Hybrid Bills
• Summary of the HS2 Economic Case

Read the factsheet introduction, and access the full factsheet using the links below.

The context for High Speed Rail

The Government believes that a national high speed rail network offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform the way we travel in Britain.

High speed railways were first built in Japan in the 1960s, and now span countries across Europe and Asia. Britain cannot afford to be left behind.

The Capacity Challenge: Britain’s rail network is seeing a continuing pattern of steeply rising demand. As a result, rail capacity is under increasing strain and services are growing more crowded. For Britain and its major cities to compete effectively in the 21st century, it is vital that the right infrastructure is in place.