An investment in middle England

Whilst there is frequent talk of a high speed rail line of network for Britain, there are also a number of other gaps- not least the rail link between the two regional capitals of Bristol and Norwich.

This route, which has a great latent demand, is not a totally new line, in fact the there was a railway along the whole route at one time but no direct service.

A new intercity service from Bristol to Norwich would create a vast range of interconnections as it crosses many current intercity routes.

At present there is a regular service from Bristol to Oxford and from Cambridge to Norwich (and Ipswich). The line from Oxford to Bedford would need upgrading. But it would not work without reinstalling the section from Bedford to Cambridge. This section is largely left as it was before the line was taken up but there a couple of stretches that have been built on.

I think this route could sustain an intercity quality service, with an express service for the intermediate towns and local service for connection to the villages along the route.

This is not some sentimental branch-line proposal, it is a major link in our growing railway network. At the very least the route should be protected to stop it being built on – at best it could be the beginning of the strengthening of east west lines in Britain.

For more information www.railfuture.org.uk/ox-cam

The American logistics company UPS has redesigned its routes to reduce its drivers crossing oncorming traffic (right turns in Britain) and has reduced 30,000,000 miles off its deliveries in 2007.