Reducing HS2 train speed would cut emissions and noise, report finds

A small reduction in the top speed of trains on the planned high-speed line from London to Birmingham would increase journey time but massively reduce carbon emissions and noise, independent analysts tell MPs

A small reduction in the top speed of trains on the planned high-speed line between London and Birmingham would increase journey times by just 4.5 minutes, but would massively reduce carbon emissions and noise, independent analysts have told MPs scrutinising the multibillion-pound scheme.

Research commissioned by objectors to the 117-mile HS2 line through the Chilterns shows that if trains were limited to 300 kilometres an hour rather than the proposed 360km/h, they could save hundreds of thousands of tonnes of CO2. Britain is committed to reducing emissions under UK law and the new Paris climate deal.