Rail Services In The North West Midlands

EDM number 700 in 2005-06, proposed by Rob Marris on 10/10/2005.

That this House is deeply concerned by the Strategic Rail Authority's (SRA) plans to close three rail lines, linking Wolverhampton and Walsall, Stafford and Hednesford, and Stoke-on-Trent and Stafford; notes that the Wolverhampton to Walsall rail journey time is 13 minutes, a time which it is only possible safely to match by road when going non-stop and off-peak, and that this rail route carried 16 per cent. more passengers in 2004 than in 2003; further notes that the SRA plans to reduce the service between Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street; further notes that such service cuts and closures will lead to increased road congestion and pollution, and greater noise levels; and so calls on the SRA to reconsider its plans forthwith with a view to maintaining these services.

This motion has been signed by a total of 22 MPs.