RAIL SERVICES IN THE NORTH WEST MIDLANDS

Early day motion 700, tabled 10 October 2005 by Rob Marris (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

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.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, DUP 2, Liberal Democrat 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.