English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) Vision for the South East Region and our commitment to see it through.

15 November 2019

Press Release

English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) Vision for the South East Region and our commitment to see it through.

The English Regional Transport Association (ERTA) fully supports the rebuilding of a Guildford-Horsham-Shoreham rail link in full for a variety of good reasons. Local and regional rail choice is lacking and patchy and whether traffic reductions or environmental concerns the corridor needs to have a railway pushed through. Far from threatening a walkway cum cycle way, it is envisaged the ‘green corridor’ could be expanded in places and suitable fencing delineate the railway from the walkway. Where pinch points exist, yes, the cycle way would need to be slewed and where blockages exist like at Cranleigh, alternative rail route options need to be being allocated and planned in designs now. If we wait 10 years and do nothing to advance the railway you will get ribbon development, road bypasses and the heaping up of volumes of traffic and overcrowding at existing railway stations and urban area which lack the capacity to cope beyond price managing access.

The rail link would enable access by rail between Reading/Heathrow and Brighton as well as Gatwick via Horsham from the south.

Other proposals we have are:

Ø    Build the Arundel curve to enable Horsham-Shoreham now and give more options

Ø    Rebuild a new Polegate-Stone Cross avoiding line north of Eastbourne which will enable more direct Brighton-Ashford rail links and make rail a more attractive alternative to road proliferation.

Ø    Look again at building curves linking the 2 lines at Canterbury for more diversity of options and services.

Ø    Electrify the North Downs Railway

Ø    Study a new build rail link between Gatwick and the Redhill-Tonbridge Line

Ø    We fully support the reopening of a South Coast-Uckfield through rail link as well as Tunbridge Wells-Eridge in full to enable more through workings arcing Kent and Sussex areas.

End Press Release

Further comment contact Mr Richard Pill 01234 330090 / richard.erta@gmail.com