Craig Tracey MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth has called for alternative proposals for the £50bn cost of HS2 with the launch of the Great British Transport Competition in conjunction with the Taxpayer’s Alliance.
The local MP explained:
“Official figures suggest that HS2 could cost around £56 billion in infrastructure spending. This could be reinvested in improving transport links around the country, including upgrading existing services and providing entirely new infrastructure.
The Great British Transport Competition is asking individuals and organisations from across the UK to submit ideas for alternative transport infrastructure projects. Entries will be judged by an expert panel, including qualified surveyors, policy thinkers and transport industry experts. The winning bids will then be professionally costed and presented to Ministers for their consideration.”
Craig’s North Warwickshire community will be devastated by the HS2 line, which has already seen people having to relocate from their homes. Craig has continually fought against the scheme in Parliament and supported local actions groups and residents with mitigation.
Alongside the Taxpayer’s Alliance at Conservative Party Conference Craig promoted the Great British Transport competition which featured a premier of a Top Gear Race style video, highlighting the time it takes to travel to London via different transport means.
The competition is open from Monday 3rd September until Friday 26th October and the winner will be announced in January 2019. The competition is open to everyone and details can be found here: https://www.taxpayersalliance.com/gbtc