The Maglev train runs on an elevated guideway. Only the stretch of track that the train is on at the time receives power (200)
THE Liberal Democrats have launched what they hope will be the North West’s biggest-ever transport petition calling for a high-speed rail route to the North West.
Lib-Dem leader Nick Clegg visited the region yesterday to launch the petition, following his party’s commitment at its conference last month.
The Conservatives also committed to a high-speed rail link to the North West at their conference, leaving Labour the only main party yet to commit.
Last night, Mr Clegg said the £14bn line would be paid for by road user charging for freight vehicles and by a levy on internal domestic flights.
He said it was vital investment in the link was made ahead of any decision to support airport expansion in the South-east – either at Heathrow or with a new airport at London Mayor Boris Johnson's proposed Thames Gateway site.
The Lib-Dems believe that major airport expansion in the South-east could undercut projected passenger numbers for high-speed rail links to the North West and see the idea shelved.
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As the party either runs, or is part of the administration, in 15 councils in the North West, it believes it is well-placed to smooth through the scheme.
“I think the petition will be pretty successful,” said Mr Clegg last night. “High-speed rail has caught the public’s imagination.
“The petition is to demonstrate how strongly people feel in the North West about wanting to see a high-speed rail link.
“The North West is such an important economic region for the country.”
He said Network Rail had estimated the line from London to Scotland via the North West would cost £14bn.
