The announcement detailed in plans on the DfT’s website, this morning (23 July) aims to cut carbon emissions as well as journey times.

Transport secretary, Andrew Adonis, announced the go-ahead for a scheme which he bl;eives will cut 15 minutes from Cardiff to London journey times and almost 20 minutes from Swansea to London trips.

Lord Adonis said: “Good transport links are vital to economic growth.

“This £1bn scheme will turn the vital South Wales to London rail line into a route fit for the 21st century, improving life for passengers and helping to boost Welsh businesses.

“The Government is committed to improving our railways, boosting the economy and reducing emissions – this scheme will help us achieve all these goals.”

The Conservatives have attacked the plans claiming the Government was ‘maxing out the credit card’ with the scheme.

Work on the scheme will begin immediately with electric services expected to be running between London, Oxford, Newbury and Bristol by the of 2016 and London to Swansea by the end of 2017.

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe