Declares that reopening the Portishead branch line is necessary to reduce traffic on the congested roads between Portishead and Bristol; further that reducing such traffic would lead to lower C02 emissions, thus benefitting the environment and further that this branch line is needed to encourage investment and economic growth in Portishead and the greater Bristol area.
The petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urge the Government to recognise the considerable work already performed to reopen the Portishead branch line, to recognise public funding already invested in it, and to consider the resource needs of the Portishead branch line when providing funding for transport in this area—[Presented by Sadik Al-Hassan, Official Report, 11 September 2024; Vol. 753, c. 6P.]
[P003009]
Observations from the Minister for Rail (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill CBE):
I am aware that the reopening of the branch line to Portishead is a long-standing aspiration of local stakeholders and residents, and recognise the benefits that the project could bring to the local community, as well as the wider environmental and economic benefits the petition has outlined. I also recognise and appreciate the work and funding already invested in the project, noting that this includes £13.8 million of Government funding towards the development of a business case and detailed design.
The Chancellor has been clear about the state of the nation's finances, and the Secretary of State for Transport announced in July that she has commissioned an internal review of the Department’s capital portfolio. This will support the development of a long-term strategy for transport that delivers a modern and integrated network with people at its heart.
The Government want to ensure that rail investment meets the needs of rail users and communities alike. Individual schemes will be assessed on their alignment with Government priorities, the strength of their business case, and their affordability.