Background to Bill:
- The Crossrail Bill was re-introduced in the Queen’s speech after Alistair Darling’s July 20 2004 announcement that the government would introduce a hybrid Bill “at the earliest opportunity to take the powers necessary for Crossrail to be built”
- The Bill made little progress in parliament following its introduction in February, before a special carry-over motion was applied, enabling it to continue where it left off once a new parliament was in place
- The Crossrail Bill will enable the construction, maintenance and operation of Crossrail, a new east-west rail link in central London
- The Bill follows a feasibility study led by Adrian Montague set to evaluate the value and affordability of the project. The study backed the plans in principle but warned about the rising costs
- Under the Bill, Crossrail will provide a new fleet of trains, operating a 24 times an hour peak service in both directions through central London
- This will significantly increase the capacity of the rail network into and across London, relieve congestion and overcrowding, meet demand and improve accessibility
- In addition, public transport access to Heathrow airport will be greatly enhanced, and Liverpool Street will be able to handle many more passengers travelling to and from Stansted airport
- Funding for the project will be taken forward in parallel to the development and introduction of the Bill.
Stakeholder Summary:
Transport for London
Transport for London believes Crossrail is vitally important to London and to the UK. It will:
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provide much-needed new rail capacity through London, providing greater accessibility to high value job opportunities;
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relieve overcrowding on current lines in the area, improving quality of the public transport experience; and
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provide numerous regeneration benefits, including greater access to East London.
In order to progress this critical project for London, three key issues urgently need resolution:
GMB
The GMB strongly supports the Crossrail project.
The project will create over 400,000 jobs nationwide and add 19bn to the UK’s GDP.
The project will create jobs not only in London but throughout the regions.
GMB warns MPs not to be distracted by debate on alternative schemes which have not been rigorously tested or have credible business cases.
Construction Products Association
The CPA welcomes the Crossrail Bill and government’s commitment to take the Bill through Parliament.
However it has concerns that there has not been funding allocated by the government to deliver the project. Especially given the inevitable pressures the Olympic games in 2012 will have on construction funding in London.
It has particular concerns for freight users of the rail network; construction relies on freight rail to provide a sustainable and cost effective alternative to road transportation. Research shows that over 200 freight trains a day will be effected by the Bill equating to over 150,000 tonnes of goods being disrupted every day.
They have specific concerns which include:
- the Bill overrides the powers of the independent Rail Regulator
- the Bill overrides existing access on key arteries for rail freight operators
- the capacity for existing and future freight traffic will be significantly reduced both during the construction and operating phases
- the Bill will lead to freight being transferred from rail to road
British Retail Consortium (London Retail Consortium)
The BRC and LRC welcome the Crossrail Bill and recognises the obvious benefits it will bring to retailers and the added economic growth and regeneration.
They are concerned however that the Bill has reached its second reading with no clear discussions about the projects funding.
The project will have a major cost and impact on local businesses and retailers are concerned that as with any major project business contribution towards it should be linked to the benefits business will receive.
They are very concerned that a raise in business rates in the area will unfairly punish local businesses that will also have to face inconveniences created during the construction period.
The LRC calls for the Treasury and Department of Transport to publish a full public consultation on proposed funding options to allow a fully informed and reasoned debate to take place, on a matter which could have a profound long term effect on business in London.
Stakeholder Positions in Full:
Transport for London
GMB
