MPs support the electrificationof county rail link to London

TRANSPORT leaders have told the Government that electrification of a rail line into South Yorkshire should be a “top priority”, predicted to generate nearly 20m a year for the region’s economy.

The House of Commons Transport Committee said electrifying the Midland Main Line between London and Sheffield has both economic and environmental benefits including faster journey times, greater reliability and lower carbon emissions than diesel equivalents.

In a report published today, the committee also warns the Government that investment in new high-speed rail infrastructure must not detract from necessary medium-term investments on the “classic” rail network.

Electrifying the line would cut journey times, bringing Sheffield within two hours of London.

Sheffield Attercliffe Labour MP Clive Betts said: “I am absolutely delighted.

“Obviously it is very important to do this given the concerns about climate change.

“And crucially it is about making Sheffield an attractive place for business and having a fast, high-quality service into London is very important to achieve that.”

The news comes after Transport Secretary Lord Adonis backed a campaign led by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive and the Sheffield City Region to electrify the route. The campaign claimed it could generate 19m per year for the region’s economy.

Lord Adonis said electrification of the line “is just a matter of dates” and was clearly going to happen.

The committee report states: “The case for electrification of the Midland Main Line between London and Sheffield was said to be particularly strong.

“The Government has confirmed it is currently considering the case, and Network Rail’s

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