Flaws in HS2 economics

It's quite wrong to say the objectors to HS2 are driven by self-interest

No, it's quite wrong to say the objectors to HS2 are driven by self-interest (Editor's Comment, PE January 2012). The difference between this vanity project and the nonsenses perpetrated in the name of Defence, the Millennium, or IT is that the ordinary person understands the issues, and the permanent damage to the environment is all too obvious. May I remind you that this Institution's policy document calls for the design speed to be no more than 320 km/h, and that our Code of Conduct requires us to never knowingly or deliberately over-exploit natural resources, and to refrain from issuing public statements except in an objective and truthful manner.

The Transport Select Committee exposed deep flaws in the need and economics of HS2, and declared the top-down choice of 400 km/h had prematurely ruled out less damaging route options.

Trains at this speed will use 3 times the energy of those at current speeds. Even if the energy is low-carbon, only 3% of passengers are expected to be won from air travel. In the next 15 years, we can foresee significant improvements in the sustainability of both road and air travel.

The changes in demographics, climate, resources, and technology provide unparalleled opportunities for investments that would help the world and restore our productive industries.

Governments may lack the vision and enterprise, but professional mechanical engineers should be seen to know better. Cheer-leading for HS2 brings us all into disrepute.

Richard Lloyd, Balsall Common, Coventry

Next letter: Vulcan to the sky