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The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) welcomes today’s announcement on high speed rail, and urges all parties to set aside their differences to focus on its efficient delivery.
ACE has previously urged cross-party cooperation on high speed rail to enable effective development of the UK’s strategic infrastructure needs. It has also made the case for long term thinking on investment that looks beyond electoral and economic cycles.
Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE chief executive, said: “Two of the biggest challenges faced by the UK are boosting our economic prospects and moving toward a low carbon economy. High speed rail would be a major benefit in both of these areas.”
With the project set to cost more than £20 billion, learning the lessons of the successes and failures of previous large scale projects is essential.
Nelson Ogunshakin added: “While we are pleased that a preferred option has now been announced, the most important point is that the project is delivered in as efficient and cost effective a manner as possible. The UK cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of previous high profile projects such as the London Underground PPP.”
-ENDS-
For press information please contact Simon Goldie on 020 7227 1892 or 07905 279328 – sgoldie@acenet.co.uk
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