Questions over HS2 and new roads as coronavirus prompts transport inquiry

The case for the high speed rail line was heavily dependent on a projected increase in business travel

The case for a complete rethink of public transport priorities in the aftermath of Covid-19 - including a fresh look at arguments for and against the HS2 high speed rail line - is to be the subject of a major parliamentary inquiry beginning this week.

The pandemic has led to a dramatic fall in commuting into towns and cities, as well as a national financial crisis highlighted last Wednesday by the chancellor Rishi Sunak in his spending review. Pressure to reduce carbon emissions is also raising questions about the desirability of the 27bn road-building programme.