Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Appendix1 West Anglia Mainline

Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Broxbourne 4-tracking & CR2 to be given higher profile - Include CR2 on page 14 but Borough Council e.g. on pages 4 & 32 & in figure 2.2 on page not on pages 4 & 32 as 14. Include Ambition Broxbourne's aspiration these figures list existing of as strategic hub with CR2, links services and lines. Include to Stratford, & Stansted, and reference to Ambition significant development around the station Broxbourne's aspiration of associated with a potential redevelopment of Cheshunt as strategic hub, Delamare Road. Include lobbying for early and of lobbying for early safeguarding of regional CR2 route. CR2 safeguarding of regional route. Cambridgeshire Include addressing single track tunnel at Single track tunnel at None. County Council Stansted to improve journey times & capacity Stansted as constraint for all services, from the north & south. already included in Strategy. East Herts District Objects to wording on page 41 re - HCC not pursuing Hertford Council investigation into the implementation of East as CR2 terminus and development around Hertford East branch so text will be removed. stations. Serious constraints of implementing Amend text on page 40 re CR2 in East Herts should be recognised. Ware platform. There was never a second platform at Ware (page 40). Hertford Town Appropriate service mix with more semi-fasts - Include reference to semi- Council to London, and longer term to Liverpool St. fasts including to Liverpool St. Lobby for Hertford East & Harlow as northern HCC not pursuing Hertford None. County Council - termini. East as CR2 terminus as Cllr Cowan services would likely worsen in terms of journey time.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Hertfordshire LEP Early 4-tracking to Stansted in CP6 and 4-tracking included in the None. potentially CR2 longer term depending on Strategy already. capacity improvements from 4-tracking & timetable studies. Natural Concern that 4-tracking for any distance may - Amend text to recognise be hard to achieve with significant potential impacts in pinchpoints, e.g. between Cheshunt & Hertfordshire as well as Bowyers Water which is a SSSI. benefits. Development would need to meet the Habitat Directive, provide adequate habitat compensation & requirements of the Park Authority. Society Improve connectivity to Stansted. - Cross-reference text in 'Access to international airports' section. Railfuture Improved connectivity for Hertfordshire at Whilst improved connectivity None. Stratford, through additional platform capacity to Stratford is highlighted in on High Meads Loop between Temple Mills the Strategy connectivity to East Jn and High Meads Jn for operational Stratford International resilience and new direct interchange at already exists via the DLR Stratford International with Southeastern and therefor an interchange Highspeed and DLR for services from/to with is Hertfordshire, and also dual use with London not seen as a priority. Overground as their platforms 1 and 2 cease to be sufficient for medium/long-term capacity/service frequency/train length. Stanstead Abbots Poor rolling stock, line capacity & Capacity/infrastructure are Add rolling stock as issue in Parish Council infrastructure. already captured under Hertford East branch issues & potential section. interventions.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Stevenage Borough Propose Stevenage as northern CR2 HCC not pursuing None. Council terminus with new link between Hertford Stevenage as CR2 terminus stations to improve connectivity, including as journey times to London potentially to Stansted with new Hertford East would be significantly longer branch chord. than for existing services and take up capacity for those existing services. Aspiration of east west connectivity referred to Transport Vision. Transport for Enhancements to Lea Valley route should Noted but outside the scope None. London include higher service frequency within of the Strategy. London. Individual Small-scale changes over long period; Timetable studies are being None. timetable changes and platform lengthening considered in the current should be considered in this period. period and platform 2 to Stansted. Stansted to Braintree lengthening in the next reinstatement. control period (3 years away). Lead in times for rail schemes are long. to Stansted is not being considered by HCC and rail industry as journey times would be too slow to make viable. Braintree route outside scope of Strategy but will refer to Essex. Individual 4-tracking Coppermill to Broxbourne Junc’s Already included. None. Individual Extend CR2 to Harlow. Improve services to HCC and rail industry not Enhance Stratford in Stratford. considering CR2 to Harlow Strategy. as journey times to London would be too long.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Line speed improvements north of Stansted HCC would support line section to be to ; southern access improvements north of included in the Strategy. improvements to Stansted with potential Stansted if this did not affect tunnel doubling & passive provision for later services in the county but is Include reference to TfL reinstatement of Braintree route; level not a priority of the council. devolution of inners from crossing strategy to improve/remove; Doubling of tunnel included Cheshunt & aspiration to reinstatement of link between Hertford in the Strategy and HCC will improve frequency. stations and new Rye House chord to refer Braintree aspiration to facilitate connectivity from Hertford East Essex. Rye House chord Reference to extra platforms branch to Stansted. Improve frequency south already included and removed and Stratford as of Cheshunt to 4tph. Support for CR2 to relinking Hertford stations to alternative terminus Hertford East (4tph all day), to Harlow & be referred to The Transport clarified. Stansted (semi-fast) and some terminating at vision. Hertford East & Broxbourne (4tph) & 4-tracking to Broxbourne Stansted not being pursued Junction. Lengthen Liverpool Street platforms by HCC as CR2 termini. 4- but wait to CR2 timetable north of Cheshunt tracking already included in is confirmed before consider extra platforms, Strategy. with also the potential of Stratford as alternative terminus. Individual Old and unpleasant trains. Refer to Train facility None. section. Individual Train & platform lengthening at Liverpool St HCC has no view on costs has a level very expensive. Remove level crossings. of schemes at Liverpool St. crossing removal programme and reference will be included in the Strategy for HCC's aspirations. Individual No Oyster machine at Kings Langley deters Refer to WCML. None. travel.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Extend CR2 to Stansted, not Hertford East. HCC and rail industry not None. Linking Hertford East & Stansted would mean considering CR2 to Hertford less services to London. Prioritise capacity at East or Stansted. Hertford Broxbourne Junction and south to Cheshunt, East & Stansted link to be not at Ware. considered with 4-tracking capacity. Individual Suggests various recommendations for HCC has no view on Text to be included re TfL infrastructure/capacity improvements south of infrastructure improvements devolved inners and Bethnal Green to maximise capacity for suggested- only that aspirations for improved WAML services at Liverpool St. Improve capacity be improved. frequency and lengthening Cheshunt frequency to mayoral minimum of operating hours. recommendation of 4tph, potentially with 4th platform. Earlier services from Cheshunt to London and later services from London to Cheshunt to connect with underground services. Individual Improve bus links between Hertford stations; Refer safeguarding to Include bus connectivity in safeguard land for reinstating rail link. Transport Vision. Station facility section. Improve bus connectivity between stations & town centres. Individual Improve station facilities particularly parking & Refer to Station facility None. toilets. survey. Individual 4-tracking WAML to improve access to 4-tracking already included. None. Stansted. Individual Improved connectivity for Hertfordshire at Whilst improved connectivity None. Stratford, through additional platform capacity to Stratford is highlighted in on High Meads Loop between Temple East the Strategy connectivity to Jn and High Meads Jn- for operational Stratford International resilience and new direct interchange at already exists via the DLR Stratford International with Southeastern and therefor an interchange Highspeed and DLR for services from/to with London Overground is Hertfordshire, and also dual use with London not seen as a priority. Page 5

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Overground as their platforms 1 and 2 cease to be sufficient for medium /long-term capacity/service frequency/train length. Individual Improve frequency at Theobalds Grove to Refer to timetable study. None. more than 2tph. Individual 4-track Tottenham Hale to Cheshunt. Included in Strategy. None.

Individual Questions Hertford East as terminus of CR2 Hertford East & Stansted Amend text to emphasise and also against Stansted as terminus. not being pursued by HCC balance of fast, semi-fast & Stansted services should not be given priority as CR2 termini. Refer train slow services. over commuter trains. Clapped trains. concerns to train facility section. Individual Increase frequencies at Roydon, Refer frequency aspirations Enhance Stratford in Northumberland Park & Angel Road, & slow to timetable studies. Strategy. services at Tottenham Hale and Clapton. Hoddesdon served by Rye New station at Essex Road to serve House & Broxbourne Hoddesdon. Increase frequencies to Stratford stations. Stansted - & from Stansted to Cambridge. Cambridge services are not a priority for Hertfordshire. Individual Link Hertford stations for orbital connectivity. Refer to Transport Vision. None. Individual Link Hertford stations, to improve service Refer to Transport Vision. None. frequency on Hertford East line and enable east west movements. Individual Renationalisation of railways. HCC does not have a view None. on who manages the railways. Individual Faster service to Hertford East not stopping Refer to timetable study. None. at , Edmonton Green, or Cheshunt as these stations are already well serviced by TFL . (Liverpool Street-Seven Sisters-Broxbourne-Rye House-St Margarets- Ware-Hertford East) Page 6

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WAML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Selected route should not include Tring but Response captured in None. continue to Leighton Buzzard. WCML corridor section. Individual Improving local connectivity to eastern - Include reference re wider destinations without going via Liverpool St, Broxbourne connectivity. e.g. at Broxbourne. Individual 4-tracking from Coppermill & Broxbourne 4-tracking included in None. Junctions. Basic interval service from Hertford Strategy. Strong local East. aspiration to improve service frequency from Hertford East which is disproportionately infrequent compared to other lines to address current and future patronage - no changes proposed. Individual HCC does not have control over commercial HCC does not have control None. decisions made by TOCs. over TOC decisions but it can influence.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation EAST COAST MAINLINE

Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Cambridgeshire Supports improved long distance services at Supports strategy proposals None. County Council Stevenage & any station enhancements that therefore no amendments will assist with this. Supports GN suburban needed. conditional outputs & proposals, particularly for Hitchin- Cambridge line. East Herts Council Include ' Short term: secure better long Agree. Amend Top priority table on distance connections from Stevenage to the page 83, Section 5.2 to better north from the new Intercity Trains franchise reflect Long distance and progress comprehensive development of connectivity priority. Stevenage Transport Hub to support Stevenage's increasing importance as a growing population and employment centre, and its enhanced role as an interchange hub' as a top priority in the table in section 5.2 on page 83. Hertford Town Improved long distance service frequency to Improved long distance Include reference to local Council north & east; more semi fast services connectivity to north/east & concerns about the generally to London and particularly on semi-fast service frequency termination of through running Hertford Loop calling at Hertford North, on Hertford Loop is already & emphasise the need for Enfield Chase, Palmers Green & Finsbury included in Strategy, strong lobbying on improved Park only, & continuing on to Stevenage & therefore no change onward connectivity. Cambridge from Hertford North. needed. More Hertford Loop services will serve Stevenage throughout the day with the new Stevenage turnback but no services will travel north of here.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Hertfordshire Local Disagrees with developing Stevenage as Network Rail is no longer Include support for use of Enterprise interchange hub as a priority as a result of considering an East West HS2 released capacity for Partnership 'Stevenage Framework', particularly if East route via Hitchin. Because other stations on ECML in West Rail central section route passes of this and because overall analysis. through Hitchin (but agrees with improving Stevenage is key growth long distance service frequency at area it is to be retained as Stevenage). Stevenage could be developed proposed interchange hub. in medium term alongside a new station. Include improved car Additional parking or park & ride should be parking for Stevenage in considered if developed as hub. Released station facility survey. capacity with HS2 could create long distance service opportunities from other stations in Hertfordshire & improved frequency between Hertfordshire stations.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Hitchin Rail Users Improvements to Hertford loop services Hitchin- Cambridge Amend Hertford loop priorities Group should be short term not medium term, interventions focus on the from medium to short- including reference to signalling programme; medium. improvements & passing loops as well as additional intervention are new rolling stock. Should be passing loops & not included as main Turnback platforms are not turnbacks at Hertford North & Gordon Hill. intervention of Hitchin curve considered sufficient for Consider additional/restored station stops has already been delivered. Hertford Loop for service between Stevenage & Hertford North e.g. Sandy will be interchange improvements but text can be Harwood Park & Stapleford. Give more between ECML & East West amended to include reference emphasis to Hitchin's importance as junction Rail and so Hitchin's role as to whatever intervention will for ECML & Cambridge branch. Interventions a hub is less important. achieve aspiration. should be included for this branch. Hitchin & Source of Thameslink Stevenage should receive same GN (& post service frequencies was DfT Include text to recognise 2018 Thameslink) service pattern. Consider consultation. Hitchin importance of intermediate capacity for GN outers as well as inners - will Thameslink service stations when considering rolling stock replacement post 2018 be frequencies are to be journey time improvements. sufficient? Include consideration of confirmed. First Hull & intermediate stations when considering how Grand Central were not Thameslink: Include reference to improve journey times. What is source of consulted as they have to Sunday services, ticketing Thameslink service frequencies post 2018? limited calling services in the & open access consideration What will be the peak services for Hitchin county. They will be threats & opportunities post 2018- will there be Thameslink services, included in future will there be fasts retained to Kings Cross? engagement. HCC supports Include reference to HS2 Sunday services should be considered, improvements that could threats such as reducing including how engineering works disruption is improve capacity & reliability importance of Stevenage in handled, minimising 'bustitution', improving in general but other than HS2 section (4.8.2). Include bus connectivity at stations & thin timetabling. ERTMS does not have a south Stevenage station on Should consider ticketing including inter- view on what these should Loop. availability, including with open access be. Stapleford too small a operators, booking office provision/electronic settlement to justify a All stakeholders consulted to purchase, Hertfordshire travelcard linked with station. be included in the final Oyster & bus. Consultees should have document. included Virgin East Coast, First Hull & Grand Page 10

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Central. Restore long distance connectivity to north-east & Scotland at Stevenage & improve down connectivity at Peterborough. Improve East Coast capacity/reliability with infrastructure improvements including ERTMS & restored line capacity between Peterborough & Huntingdon. Include reference to open access operators' opportunities & threats. More thought to be given to HS2 impacts including potential for Stevenage to be less important as a hub.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy North Herts & Consider the aspirations to be unrealistic and, The devising of aspirations None. Stevenage Green by providing for anticipated demand, as is deliberately aspirational to Party potentially 'wasteful, damaging & be in line with rail industry unsustainable', with no explanation as to how planning methodology and they will be achievable. are conditional on affordability & a value for money business case. The Strategy proposes possible interventions to address these outputs that HCC can lobby for as well as the outputs themselves. Ultimately it is up to the rail industry on what and how interventions are delivered. In proposing to provide for anticipated demand through improved rail services HCC is aiming to encourage more sustainable transport choices with less environmental impact than the private car. No changes are therefore proposed.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy North Herts District Include priorities for Great Northern Great Northern suburban A1(M) congestion already Council Suburban. Emphasise importance of A1(M) priorities focus on referenced but jobs/growth for congestion relief, jobs/growth, journey . No North Herts will be included experience, easy interchange, improving further interventions when confirmed. capacity, frequency, speed & rolling stock. proposed as significant improvement with Hitchin Journey experience & rolling Curve has been delivered stock has been initially (also as per HRUG included but will be response). Capacity, speed considered further in & frequency already proposed Facilities appendix. referenced. Easy interchange will be emphasised in Stations section. North Mymms Improved service frequency to Cambridge Service enhancements to be None. Parish Council from Welham Green & Brookmans Park. achieved through the Thameslink programme for Great northern services. Radlett Society Emphasises that should be 'intra-regional' This would not support the None. rather than intercity expresses at Stevenage, forecast growth for with some fast Leeds/York/north calling at Stevenage & a Finsbury Peterborough for east/west & south Park stop could cause connectivity but otherwise direct to Kings further congestion & wasted Cross. Proposes that only alternate off-peak mileage, therefore no semi-fasts from Doncaster/ Lincoln/ Newark/ changes. Grantham/ Peterborough/Huntingdon call at Stevenage (others at ) in order to relieve congestion and avoid wasted mileage. To be supported by improved connections & cheaper tickets.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Stevenage Borough Emphasise the importance of reducing the - Include text on reducing air Council carbon footprint of long distance travel by rail travel emissions in ECML as compared to air travel. Include 'stimulating issues & in overall themes on the wider scale regeneration of Stevenage pages 5 & 12. town centre' as an ECML objective. Reference the recently published 'Stevenage Include reference to Central Framework' by Stevenage First (& the Stevenage Central framework Borough Council) that shifts priority to the aspirations in ECML issues & town centre redevelopment from the train evidence, & as reference station. The BC maintains its commitment to document in 2.1, page 10. redeveloping Stevenage station as a major hub and also requests that a southern Include southern suburban suburban station on the Hertford branch is station, & upgrading Finsbury considered with a multi-modal study to Park to Moorgate as part of address population growth & A602 infrastructure improvements congestion with possible park & ride rail to support Hertford Loop opportunities. Consideration should also be metro. given to upgrading Finsbury Park to Moorgate for county commuters. Transport for Agrees with priorities but Hertford loop HCC to work with TfL to None. London interventions must not impact services in achieve a balance of London area (journey time, frequency). services. HCC not pursuing Suggests working together to achieve CR2 to Hertford East as balance. Could achieve faster journey times terminus because of likely via Hertford East with CR2 freeing up significantly longer journey capacity for quicker services. Suggests times. HCC would support lobbying with TfL for more services calling at increased connectivity at Finsbury Park to maximise journey Finsbury Park if this did not opportunities & ease congestion elsewhere. impact existing services.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Welwyn Hatfield Support further increased frequencies at key - Include text on pages 48 & 51 Borough Council stations such as Hatfield & Welwyn Garden on semi-fast services. City as long as other station frequencies in Welwyn Hatfield are not impacted (page 48) & would like to see as top priority. Support Hertford loop proposals as long as it benefits Cuffley services. Welwyn Parish Supports improved long distance connectivity No amends for long None. Council to the north, especially for business. distance as support Requests insertion on page 45 : After the Strategy. Increasing words "there are a number of capacity capacity on ECML constraints on the line" [i.e. Kings Cross to achievable by other means Cambridge], to add "such as a two-track than widening Welwyn bottleneck at Welwyn North, at which station viaduct - to be kept under any significant reduction in the present review. service would be unacceptable" Individual Opposed to HS2. East access to Hitchin Refer Hitchin station Turnback platforms are station; improve Walsworth Road junction. improvements to Station considered sufficient for Stevenage turnback if connectivity for freight facility. Hertford Loop for service & diversionary services to Hertford Loop. HCC has no view on HS2 improvements but text can be Passing loops on latter to permit overtaking. per se, only how released amended to include reference Safeguard land for links & any capacity on existing lines to whatever intervention will widening of Welwyn viaduct. Luton- can be best used. Freight & achieve aspiration. Stevenage option should be mainly in tunnel. diversionary capability on Grade separation of southbound Thameslink Hertford Loop will be services Finsbury Park-St Pancras retained with Stevenage over/under ECML. Rebuild Finsbury Park turnback. Increasing Station to improve pedestrian flow post CR2. capacity on ECML Long distance stops at Finsbury Park or achievable by other means Alexander Palace, New Southgate (post CR2) than widening Welwyn to access London Overground/Underground. viaduct - to be kept under New running patterns post CR2 at New review. Grade separation of Southgate. Thameslink services south Page 15

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy of Finsbury Park is not a priority given the level of committed investment in the area. HCC do not have a view on other than connections and flow should be optimised. HCC would support long distance stops at Finsbury Park if there was no impact on existing long distance services at Stevenage and suburban services but does not see this as a priority. Service patterns at New Southgate are to be determined and HCC will comment at the appropriate time. Refer safeguarding/comments of East west routes to Transport Vision survey. Individual Improve train connections for local and long - Amend text to reflect. distance services at Stevenage to reduce waiting times & connectivity to Peterborough for long distance services. Individual Buses from Luton to Hitchin, evening & Airport coaches already Bus connectivity at stations Sunday services. New station on A414 for serve Hatfield, Hertford text to be included in Station coach links to Heathrow/Stansted airport North & . facility section. Individual Trains fit for purpose. - Amend text in train facility section to emphasise.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Hertford Loop metro good but TfL has plans No changes proposed. None. for Overground services to Gordon Hill & along WAML. Individual Support Hertford Loop Metro & increased No changes proposed. None. capacity to Moorgate. Individual Welwyn Hatfield priority is ECML & Hatfield & ECML aspirations to be None. Welwyn Garden City rather than Hertford realised through Thameslink Loop. Extra semi-fasts from Welwyn Garden programme which is City. committed and through which HCC will lobby to secure maximum improvements for the county and also via released capacity from HS2 which has been included as a longer term priority. Semi- fasts included as an intervention in the Strategy. No changes proposed. Individual Against relocation of bus station from town Bus connectivity to be None. centre if Stevenage to become transport hub. considered on case by case Strategy objectives for bus connectivity to be basis. Refer bus station & aligned with HCC Bus strategy. Car parking car parking at Stevenage to provision at Stevenage if hub. Station facility survey. Individual Improved connectivity from Hitchin-Hertford Included in the Strategy. Amend text to capture later North especially at peak times, preferably trains from Cambridge in with direct trains. Later trains from Cambridge adequate service for to the county. Cambridge. Individual Improved car parking at Hertford Loop Refer to Station facility None. stations - cheaper & more. survey.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Concern re concept of Hertford Loop Metro Aspiration in Strategy of Include train concerns in Train which could lead to trains with less seats, no Metro is for faster services. facility section. toilets and slower services. Individual New trains. Already captured in None. Strategy. Individual Disagree with Stevenage as hub - prefer Stevenage is included as None. Hitchin. More capacity & frequent services hub because of its strategic needed at Hitchin & eastern station access, & importance on service more ticket barriers. connectivity, its current footfall as well as the significant amount of growth that is expected and so will be retained as hub in the strategy. Capacity for Hitchin is included as part of the Hitchin- Cambridge line aspirations. Individual Provide additional platform at Stevenage to Already included as None. separate shuttle services on Hertford Loop committed intervention. from ECML. Individual Frequent direct bus link between Hatfield, St Included as issue/ None. Albans & stations. intervention in Orbital section. Individual Passing loops on the Hertford Loop and Turnback platforms are Text can be amended to reinstatement of link between Hertford considered sufficient for include reference to whatever stations. Reinstatement of rail from Hatfield to Hertford Loop for service intervention will achieve . improvements. Refer aspiration. reinstatement of east west links to Transport Vision.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Higher priority is fast service diversion around Increasing capacity on Amend text on HS2. ECMl 2 track pinchpoint. Assumes HS2 will ECML achievable by other happen. means than widening Welwyn viaduct - to be kept under review. Individual Renationalisation of railways. HCC has no view on who None. manages the railway. Individual Particularly agree with developing Stevenage Already captured in None. as hub. Faster services not at expense of Strategy. slower services, particularly for Welwyn North. Individual Strong branding for Hertford Loop Metro. Branding, noted. Refer to None. Various suggestions of improvements to proposed timetable studies. Hertford Loop. Divert Welwyn trains away from Moorgate to allow greater frequencies for Loop. Individual Improve bus connectivity at stations. - Bus connectivity at stations text to be included in Station facility section. Individual Include Potters Bar in semi-fast services. Thameslink programme & Oyster aspirations to be Semi-fasts on Hertford Loop should not mean ERTMS will make additional included in Ticketing section. a reduced frequency at Crews Hill. Various services possible - Potters suggestions for service frequencies along Bar already referenced. ECML, Cambridge & Hertford branches. HCC to keep under review. Extend Oyster to Stevenage via the Loop. HCC has no preference re Terminate Cambridge services at Reigate Reigate or Tattenham rather than Tattenham Corner. Corner - no changes proposed.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Address Welwyn 2 track pinchpoint. Slower Addressing the 2-track Amend text to reflect balance services prevent provision of more services. pinchpoint is not deemed of services. necessary by Network Rail with other planned/ committed interventions. HCC to keep under review. Individual Address Welwyn 2 track pinchpoint. Update Addressing the 2-track None. Hertford Loop with new trains and increase pinchpoint is not deemed frequency as a result of Hitchin flyover. necessary by Network Rail with other planned/ committed interventions. HCC to keep under review. New trains committed as part of GTR franchise. Increasing Hertford Loop frequency included in Strategy - Hitchin flyover was to improve reliability not capacity. Individual Address Welwyn 2 track pinchpoint. Addressing the 2-track None. pinchpoint is not deemed necessary by Network Rail with other planned/ committed interventions. HCC to keep under review. Individual Proposes inner and outer Hertford Loop Turnback platforms are Clarify text in Hertford Loop Metro with outers being non-stop fast considered sufficient for section. services in London area and inners serving all Hertford Loop for service Text can be amended to stations to Gordon Hill. Overtaking train improvements. include reference to whatever capability at Gordon Hill. intervention will achieve aspiration (around Hertford Loop).

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - ECML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual All of the priorities are the same. Some of the priorities are to None. be achieved over short, medium and longer term timescales and therefore are repeated. No change proposed. Individual Unsure if support HS2 improvements over Addressing the 2-track None. direct capacity increases such as second pinchpoint is not deemed Welwyn viaduct. necessary by Network Rail with other planned/ committed interventions. HCC to keep under review. Individual Lobby for long distance improvements via Already included in None. franchise renewals. Strategy.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation MIDLAND MAINLINE

Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Association of Support long distance stops at St Albans if do - Include text in 4.3.1 section Public Transport not impact reliability/performance of existing on long distance calling at Users services. Could be better to grow services at St Albans to be enabled for Luton Parkway to address growth in calling during disruption and Herts/Beds/Bucks with good motorway to maximise connectivity access/parking, full accessibility & opportunity with Luton. for more airport traffic for operator. Propose enabling long distance stopping at St Albans during disruption. Agree that Corby connectivity would be limited in value. Luton Airport Support the development objectives in 4.3.1, - Include text in 4.3.1 section electrification north of Bedford, addressing on long distance calling at capacity & improving connectivity to the north. St Albans to be enabled for Disagree with longer distance services calling calling during disruption and at St Albans in place of Luton Airport to maximise connectivity Parkway. Propose achieving objectives by with Luton. calling all long distance services at Luton Parkway & improving service frequency, creating rail hub similar to Milton Keynes on WCML. Mill Hill Requests improved service frequency to Service frequency will Add text to emphasise that Neighbourhood London, especially for the Luton/St Albans - improve with Thameslink capacity should be kept Forum Sutton/Sevenoaks, & more late night post 2018 but is under review to ensure services. acknowledged that there Thameslink programme could be some passengers accommodates capacity. standing longer than 20 minute threshold - New late/through night services being introduced by GTR.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Radlett Society Agrees with improved connectivity to the HCC would support Include reference to open north but not fast services. With electrification additional stops at West access opportunities as proposes regional semi-fasts at St Albans, Hampstead if this did not general concept in Strategy. calling at Loughborough, Leicester, Market impact existing or proposed Harborough, Kettering, Wellingborough, service provision. HCC to Bedford, Luton, St Albans & West work with TfL to achieve a Hampstead. Off-peak fast services should balance of services. HCC to alternate calling at Luton Parkway & West remove long distance Hampstead to reduce congestion/wasted connectivity at St Albans as mileage. HS2 capacity release would create aspiration and emphasise open access & long distance specials semi-fasts at St Albans, with opportunities. improved connectivity at Luton/Luton Parkway for long distance services. Long distance specials are outside the remit of the Strategy. Railfuture Question long distance stops at St Albans & if - Include text in 4.3.1 section longer distance connectivity can be achieved on long distance calling at by other means post 2018 (MM1). Agrees St Albans to be enabled for with extending Thameslink services north but calling during disruption and queries if new rolling stock will be appropriate to maximise connectivity for longer journeys. with Luton. Emphasise appropriateness of rolling stock for journey length in Thameslink extension section (page 55) & in the Station/train facility section on page 74. St Albans City & Supports long distance services at St Albans - Include Leicester as District Council to support growth, especially in ‘am’ peak for destination & emphasis on business; include services to Leicester. am peak for business in section 4.3.1. Page 23

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Transport for Agrees with priorities but must not be to HCC would support None. London detriment of services in London. Proposes additional stops at West that should join with TfL to maximise Hampstead if this did not interchange potential at West Hampstead by impact existing or proposed increasing stops. service provision. HCC to work with TfL to achieve a balance of services. Individual Strongly supports long distance stops at St Manton chord and therefore Include text in 4.3.1 section Albans but not to the detriment of other connectivity to Peterborough on long distance calling at services journey times but would need is not seen as a priority but St Albans to be enabled for infrastructure improvements. Northern east will be kept under review. calling during disruption and west rail route with Manton chord from Oxford Market Harborough outside to maximise connectivity - Peterborough stopping at St Albans, if the remit of the Strategy. with Luton. electrified. Service balance is needed with HS2 released capacity - suggests 4tph at St Service balance to be Albans with 1 to Nottingham and 1 to emphasised. Sheffield as limited stop. Market Harborough curves to be addressed. Individual Extending Thameslink services would be HCC will press the rail None. even more relevant if long distance operators industry (including via its prioritise longer distance destinations at the response to the revised CP5 expense of intermediate stations but would be Enhancement Delivery plan dependent on the delayed electrification. as a result of the Hendy Station to serve Napsbury/London review) for this to be Colney/Park Street & the rail freight. implemented as soon as possible. London Colney station has not been emphasised as a priority in the consultation and if implemented could cause capacity issues on the line - keep under review.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual 2 hourly East Midlands slots to St Pancras East Midlands economies Include text in 4.3.1 section from Nottingham & Derby, using existing are outside the scope of the on long distance calling at more comfy diesel trains. Re-open & rebuild Strategy. St Albans to be enabled for to improve economies of calling during disruption and East Midlands with direct trains to City of to maximise connectivity London. with Luton. Individual Strongly supports long distance services at St - Include text in 4.3.1 section Albans - although new direct service will on long distance calling at mean there is less need. St Albans to be enabled for calling during disruption and to maximise connectivity with Luton. Individual Extend Oyster north of Elstree & - To be included in new Borehamwood to St Albans City/Luton Ticketing section. Airport. Individual Further station enhancements to cater for Refer to station facility None. increased demand. survey. Individual Concern of Radlett Rail freight impact on - Text to be included on passenger services. Radlett Rail freight to emphasise balance of services. Individual Strongly supports reinstatement of long - Include text in 4.3.1 section distance services at St Albans. Supports East on long distance calling at West Rail & link at Bedford to MML. St Albans to be enabled for calling during disruption and to maximise connectivity with Luton. Orbital section to be amended to reflect current situation re Bedford.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Radlett Rail freight, if implemented, would - Text to be included on disrupt existing services - HCC should refuse Radlett Rail freight to to sell the land and build houses instead. emphasise balance of services. Individual Emphasises making most of existing services HCC has no view on HS2. None. rather than building new routes, e.g. HS2 Link There will be a link between between Luton and Heathrow airports. Luton and Heathrow with a change onto Crossrail at Farringdon. No changes proposed. Individual Opposed to HS2. Improve bus links between HCC has no view on HS2. Amend to reflect emphasis St Albans stations & town centre. Reinstate HCC will press the rail on bus connectivity. electrification. industry (including via its response to the revised CP5 Enhancement Delivery plan as a result of the Hendy review) for this to be implemented as soon as possible. Individual Include increasing services at Elstree as a Thameslink programme will None. priority, e.g. Stopping some fast services create service frequency from/to St Albans. potential - to be kept under review. Individual Suggests long distance services at St Albans - Include text in 4.3.1 section all day but particularly in peaks. During on long distance calling at Thameslink disruption, long distance service St Albans to be enabled for provider to pick up/set down passengers at St calling during disruption and Albans. to maximise connectivity with Luton.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual New stations at Kempston, Rushden, Burton Refer non-Hertfordshire None. Latimer, Ampthill and London Colney. aspirations to relevant local authority. London Colney station has not been emphasised as a priority in the consultation and if implemented could cause capacity issues on the line - keep under review. Individual Link St Albans stations. Refer to Transport vision. None.

Individual More reliable trains from Luton and St Albans - Include text on reliability. to St Pancras.

Individual New station on A414 with coach links to Hertford North, St Albans & None. Heathrow/Stansted airports, also served by Hatfield stations already new route Luton-Watford-Willesden Jn- serve this function. Refer Gatwick. Release capacity at St Pancras by new routes to Transport new route St Albans-Potters Bar. Vision. Individual Press for reinstatement of electrification from HCC will press the rail None. Bedford - Sheffield, Doncaster. industry (including via its response to the revised CP5 Enhancement Delivery plan as a result of the Hendy review) for this to be implemented as soon as possible.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Extending Thameslink services north would View on Thameslink Amend text to reflect mean services would be overcrowded by the services included in improved Luton Airport time they reached Hertfordshire stations. Objective analysis - overall connectivity. Provide direct rail link to Luton Airport from view was in favour- no MML. changes proposed. Individual Relocate of St Albans station to London Road East west connectivity to be None. to link with Abbey & Hatfield lines and new referred to Transport Vision. station in north St Albans to expand HCC has no view on coverage. Extend freight lines from Hendon to extending freight lines - St Albans for metro services. capacity is likely to be addressed with the Thameslink programme and longer term with capacity released with HS2. Individual Renationalisation of railways. HCC has no view on who None. runs the railways. Individual Better connectivity from St Albans to north To be kept under review. St Albans long distance west (Manchester, Liverpool), e.g. via aspiration to be removed Sheffield. from Strategy and improved connectivity to Luton etc. emphasised for connections Individual Urgent electrification. HCC will press the rail None. industry (including via its response to the revised CP5 Enhancement Delivery plan as a result of the Hendy review) for this to be implemented asap. Individual No evidence for long distance services at St Include reference to Radlett St Albans long distance Albans- if stop here they will become slow Railfreight in Strategy & aspiration to be removed services. Impact of Radlett Railfreight on potential impacts. HCC will from Strategy. services etc. HCC should oppose the work to ensure that existing proposals. services are not impacted. Page 28

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - MML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Commercial decisions are not the remit of HCC does not make None. HCC. commercial decisions but can influence decisions. Individual How is HCC going to respond to the delay to HCC will press the rail None. Electrification? industry (including via its response to the revised CP5 Enhancement Delivery plan as a result of the Hendy review) for this to be implemented as soon as possible. Individual Long distance aspirations could be achieved To be kept under review. St Albans long distance by other means but additional connectivity New rolling stock with aspiration to be removed should be sought with HS2. New longer Thameslink programme- risk from Strategy and improved rolling stock required but should be that some passengers could connectivity to Luton etc. appropriate for journey. be standing longer than for emphasised for recommended 20 minutes - connections. to be kept under review & referred to Train facility section. Individual Not many people in St Albans want to go - St Albans long distance north. aspiration to be removed from Strategy. Individual Curvature at St Albans station meant that - St Albans long distance large gap between long distance train and aspiration to be removed platform led to long distance service from Strategy. withdrawal previously. Individual Improved connectivity to Bedford for onward - Long distance services at St long distance connections could be better Albans to be removed from alternative to long distance stops at St Strategy and replaced with Albans. improved connectivity to Bedford/Luton. Page 29

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation WEST COAST MAINLINE

Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Abbots Langley Members support increasing the capacity and Noted. Is included within the None. Parish Council frequency of trains on the West Coast Main overall objective for the line. Line but want to see more direct services to cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Glasgow stopping at Watford Junction. ABFLY The Council should be lobbying Network Rail There are currently no spare None. (NR), the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the paths south of Watford Department for Transport (DfT) and future Junction. The situation may Train Operator Companies (TOCs) for paths change once HS2 is to be found for through-services to London operational. Euston and / or the West London Line, at least during peak hours, in order to capitalise on the fully mainline-signalled connection recently installed by NR at Watford Junction. Such through services would make the Abbey Line service a much more attractive proposition, thereby increasing revenue. Aldbury Parish Inadequate infrastructure surrounding Tring Highway infrastructure Change text to support Council Station. Narrow road, awkward access and issues around Tring are Crossrail link in principle, but frequently congested, exit area is dangerous, noted. The benefit of not specify the details. inadequate car park. A large volume of traffic bringing Crossrail to the also comes past the station to reach the A41 WCML is to provide a wider which will be exacerbated by the range of journey options, developments contemplated by the Rail and hence a terminal at Strategy Report. The whole of the site of Tring is not essential. Tring Station is part of an AONB and a Site of Archaeological Significance. No particular strategic logic in making Tring the terminus of the Crossrail line. Would make more sense for Hertfordshire to lobby for the line to be extended further north. It could terminate at Page 30

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Cheddington where there is more space for development, or Bletchley, linking with the proposed East-West line and providing additional benefits to Hertfordshire residents, or even Milton Keynes. Aldbury Parish Crossrail 1 extension - There is no The benefit of bringing Change text to support Council acknowledgement of the likely detrimental Crossrail to the WCML is to Crossrail link in principle, but impact on the parish of Aldbury and in provide a wider range of not specify the details. particular the residents of Tring Station. journey options, and hence Residents of Tring Station are aware that a a terminal at Tring is not study is being carried out to assess what essential. additional land would be required for sidings and a replacement car park. It would seem more sensible for the stabling of the rolling stock to take place at Bletchley or Milton Keynes. Association of TOP PRIORITY - Short term: promote and Noted. None. Public Transport endorse the case for extension of Crossrail 1 Users services to Watford Junction Medium term: Develop plans with Network Rail for the longer term redevelopment of Watford Junction into a major interchange hub. Particularly if it can be combined with improvements to service frequency on the Abbey Line. This would allow more travellers to avoid a journey via central London. Dacorum Borough Supports the proposals to extend Crossrail 1 HCC would support Statement on improvements Council services to Tring and to develop the role of improvements to the station to Hemel Hempstead station Watford Junction as a major transport as part of wider to be included. interchange. Strategy fails to recognise the development. significant role that Hemel Hempstead station plays within the WCML rail corridor and as a local transport interchange to serve a major Page 31

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy town in the County. The Strategy should acknowledge the opportunity for either: - major improvements to Hemel Hempstead station in association with regeneration (as identified in the Council’s (Pre-Submission) Site Allocations document (Proposal MU/4)); or - a new larger Parkway type of station could be developed to enable the growth in journeys as an alternative to the current Hemel Hempstead and Apsley Stations and located between the two on available land. Dalton Warner Conflict between the strategic rail objective to HCC’s position is to lobby None. Davis LLP deliver HS2 and the desire that Watford for long-distance Junction continues to function as a major connections to Watford transport hub. HS2 will not stop at Watford Junction on WCML post Junction and therefore the future capacity of HS2, with the opportunity to the station will serve as a London commuter provide more direct links hub, with additional services delivered by the albeit at slower end-to-end , the Metropolitan and speeds than at present due potentially the extensions. to increased number of Watford Junction station is not fit for purpose stops. (close to capacity at peak times, commuter car park often full and overflowing) Increased amount of off-site parking. The potential Crossrail 1 extension to Watford, whether this is a temporary solution whilst HS2 is constructed and Euston is partially closed or permanent, will again increase passenger footfall alongside population growth and capacity issues at Watford Junction. Any relocation of the station to accommodate the increased passenger capacity must be capable of delivery within time and budget. Page 32

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Dalton Warner Any significant redevelopment/relocation of Noted. None. Davis LLP Watford Junction station, can only be delivered and funded through public finance investment options and subsidised in part by development of the present station car park and other lands, assuming provision of new multi-level parking provision. Shorter term development of the adjoining retail park would set a value benchmark for development on railway lands whilst also potentially providing valuable vehicular and pedestrian access onto St Albans Road and other areas. Hertfordshire Local Economic benefit of Crossrail extending into Noted. Change text to support Enterprise Hertfordshire needs further evidence before Crossrail link in principle, but Partnership committing to it as a priority, particularly if it not specify the details. removes fast services for commuters from Hertfordshire stations into London. The interchange hub is now a medium term priority which we would support in principle. Hertfordshire Local Option of station merger between Apsley and Noted. Impacts and None. Enterprise Hemel Hempstead following HS2 opening opportunities on all stations Partnership has been suggested. Kings Langley is likely on this section of line would to become a more important employment need to be considered if any location rather than simply serving a small major changes to stations residential community and so more stopping are progressed. services are likely to be needed in the future. Radlett Society Crossrail1 should not come to Watford HCC supports in principle None. Junction. Better option is Aylesbury to remove the existing Crossrail excess demand at Marylebone and free up extension to the WCML space for longer regional services on restored proposal rather than Great Central lines. Watford Overground proposing new routes. should be connected through Primrose Hill to There is a need to look at all the Overground services currently terminated opportunities for journeys Page 33

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy at Highbury. WC2 a redevelopment should west of Watford. include a single track dive-under connection of the Abbey platforms to the Met extension. Extending the Abbey line southbound between the Reeds Orphange and the main line through the existing rail maintenance yard then loop under the Viaduct through an arch in the Colne Valley to link with the DC lines across Waterfields park. WC2b For interchange stops all seems excessive rather most outside peak travel periods and alternating with Milton Keynes as an Outer Distributor interchange for East West rail and intermediate points south. Radlett Society Promote a pattern of alternating Inner and HCC supports increased None. Outer interchange distributor points on all services at Watford Junction corridors into London outside peak periods. without specifying to the rail For WCML these are MK Central and Watford industry how this should be Junction for East/West Rail, Chiltern, Midland, achieved. Southern Thameslink, Overground, Metropolitan, and Abbey. Railfuture WC1 - Additional rolling stock required for Noted. None. extended services; Crossrail trains and service stopping pattern could be found unsuitable by passengers for longer-distance regional journeys. Savills and Alan Welcome any actions aimed at increasing Noted. None. Baxter Ltd on behalf capacity on WCML suburban services. of Grand Union Support key priorities relating to access and Investments Ltd services at Berkhamsted Station: Strategic Priorities: Short term: promote and endorse the case for extension of Crossrail 1 services to Watford Junction, Page 34

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Berkhamsted and Tring, Medium term: Develop plans with Network Rail for the longer term redevelopment of Watford Junction into a major interchange hub. Lobby for all regional long distance services to stop at Watford after the introduction of HS2 Phase 1, by offering better interchange facilities for local, Crossrail and LUL services to central London. St Stephen Parish HCC should be lobbying Network Rail, the There are currently no spare None. Council Office of Rail and Road, the Department for paths south of Watford Transport and future Train Operator Junction. The situation may Companies for paths to be found for through- change once HS2 is services to London Euston, at least during operational. peak hours, in order to capitalise on the fully mainline -signalled connection recently installed at Watford Junction. Increasing Abbey Line usage and revenue, and take traffic off local roads. Transport for TfL agrees with Hertfordshire County Noted. None. London Council’s strategic priority for an extension of Crossrail 1 to the West Coast Main Line (WCML) subject to the scheme having a positive business case. Further work is required to better understand the case for investment and TfL will be working with the DfT and Network Rail to assess how the scheme may contribute to the planned Crossrail network. TfL considers that one option for delivering the extension would be a phased approach, where provision for the Link is made as part of a first phase when the HS2 station at Old Oak Common is being Page 35

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy constructed. Delivering provision under HS2 Phase 1 Hybrid Bill powers will help avoid any further disruption to Crossrail services once the works at Old Oak Common are complete and will give sufficient time for the optimum solution to be developed. The Link could then be constructed as part of a second phase. In relation to HCC’s priorities for Watford Junction, TfL considers that there is likely to be a case for redevelopment of the station regardless of an extension of Crossrail 1 to the WCML due to the high levels of congestion that currently exist. TfL would encourage the council to lobby Network Rail on this matter. TfL supports the calling of more long-distance services at Watford Junction following the introduction of HS2 Phase 1, subject to the proposal being technically viable and having a satisfactory business case. The issue of congestion within the station would need to be addressed as part of any such proposal. Transport for TfL considers that maximising the Noted. None. London opportunities that may be provided as part of HS2 should also be taken into account when reviewing the priorities for the WCML. Tring Station The changes proposed will directly affect 94 Noted. Change text to support Residents dwellings around Tring Station. The car park Crossrail link in principle, but Association at Tring Station is full each working day. not specify the details. Cross Rail 1 impacts will be: 1) Unknown impact of new sidings and facilities at Tring Station. 2) Car parking facilities will be totally inadequate and needs to be clearly included Page 36

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy in the plan. Either a new, larger car park is needed or some form of Park and Ride set up nearby. In either route the price of car parking has to be controlled to ensure that people are encouraged to use the train to reduce car congestion and impact on the environment. 3) Increased flow of cars into Tring Station to use the new rail services, will need traffic calming measures, clear speed restrictions, and a new design for the cycle path that runs through the hamlet. 4) Consideration for a Control Parking Zone in Tring Station hamlet. Tring Town Council The strategic priorities identified are Detailed requirements for None, but station audit work supported (WC1 as the most important upgrade of station facilities to be undertaken in 2016 and [Q2.11]), an additional priority should be will form part of a station 2017. added that has close parallels to the strategic audit to be undertaken at all priorities for Station Facilities and Freight: 50 stations. “Rail users can expect facilities to be in place for them to access rail services without hindrance”. The deficiencies are - No public toilets - No sheltered waiting areas at the Station Entrance - No disabled access - Insufficient car parking provision (despite an extension) - Access to the stations via open stairs that are slippery and dangerous for the abled-bodied when wet. Watford & West Concern over the number fast trains to Noted. Rail strategy states None. Herts Chamber of London not now stopping at Watford. To meet the need for increased Commerce the needs of business and the growing level Intercity services at Watford of travel between Watford and London we Junction. need this situation redressed as Watford role as a transport hub grows. With the completion of the Croxley Rail link & the Page 37

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy movement of the to Watford Junction, this will inevitably increase the volume of potential business traffic through Watford Junction. Danger of losing or not attracting new business to the area. Watford Borough Due to capacity there is a need for Watford Need for major None. Council Junction to be developed. improvements to station included in the strategy. Individual 4.4.1 WCML Long Distance. There’s a HCC’s position is to lobby None. tension here between Hertfordshire’s for the best outcome for aspirations for Watford and the aspirations in Hertfordshire residents. It the midlands and north for more and/or faster should be noted that there services to London; also, looking at the are more passengers using WCML from further north, if there are to be Watford Junction than using additional stops in long distance services, Milton Keynes (2014/15 Milton Keynes would have to be the first figures). priority. Given the growth of MK, can foresee the day when almost all WCML services will have to call there. Individual Link Crossrail 1 to the WCML and divert the Noted. None. outer suburban service onto Crossrail, which could also give an increased frequency between Hertfordshire stations, Milton Keynes and Northampton. The Watford Hub with the Croxley link onto the Metropolitan Line would be a valuable part of this. So would a Crossrail connection via Old Oak Common to access Heathrow Airport; the interchanges from Euston via LUL Northern and Piccadilly lines or via Euston Square and Paddington (or even the 205 bus from Euston to Paddington) are far from easy for air passengers with luggage. A frequent Page 38

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Crossrail service to and from MK would give much better connectivity between the Hertfordshire WCML stations and the midlands and north. Individual WC1 - Absolute top priority. Noted. None. WC2 - In principle do not object to more long distance services calling at Watford Junction, particularly in off peak. The desire for ‘all’ is unrealistic. Support Improving the station facilities. The scale of these changes should be linked to the level of interchange. Such rebuilding plans must be mindful of local east-west connectivity. In particular the Abbey line strategy, a LRT solution which crosses WCML would drastically improve viability. The general public realm along with bus, footpath and cycling links all need significant improvements. Individual 1 - franchise. By removing Noted. None. stopping and branch services south of Milton Keynes, this should be refocused on the West Midlands. Fast services into London would be retained. TfL should start immediate negotiations to extend Crossrail 1 to WCML slow lines. Crossrail would provide 2tph Tring AND 2tph Milton Keynes stoppers. 2 - Old Oak Common. HCC should give explicit support. This will provide an extremely important timely interchange is to access Heathrow and HS2. 3 - Gateway. Watford Junction can then be promoted as a key gateway to Crossrail for the north and Heathrow in particular. Page 39

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual The WCML is almost at capacity, what fall Network Rail Route Study is None. back measures are possible if HS2 is further still awaited. delayed? Individual a) LM is 'controlled'' from Birmingham. A LM have changed their None. more local control would greatly assist management structure operation & for timekeeping. b) Enhance the which has resulted in better barrier time at Watford Junction & staff it contact with HCC. properly. Uncollated fares on the St Albans Need for improvements at Branch is a public disgrace. Watford Junction are included in general aspirations for the station. Ticket machines are being installed at all stations on the Abbey Line. Individual Crossrail 1 - Definitely beneficial. Noted. None. Watford Junction interchange hub - This will never function fully whilst bus services are so unreliable/uncoordinated and long distance coach service connections are non-existent. Disagree with Longer distance trains calling at Watford Junction - No lobbying necessary for at least ten years. Individual Abbey Line - Services after 10.00pm. An additional late evening None. Restoration of 24 trains in each direction per train is being introduced. day Monday to Friday and Saturday. Continuing to function as a heavy rail line - particularly as newly refurbished rolling stock is due to come into operation during the next two months. Individual Agree with the priorities listed; to promote and Noted. None. endorse the case for extension of Crossrail 1 services to Watford Junction and Tring, to develop plans with Network Rail for the longer Page 40

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy term redevelopment of Watford Junction into a major transport interchange hub, and to Lobby for all regional long distance services to stop at Watford after the introduction of HS2 Phase 1. Individual Allow surbuban (currently London Midland) Issue for rail industry in None. trains more slots on the fast line in peak terms of operational periods and stops at Watford Junction. requirements. Appears it is for the exclusive use of Virgin Trains. Individual Instead of extending Crossrail 1 to Watford Will need to be considered None. and Tring, create a new Crossrail 3 linking in context of wider Transport Watford and Tring to services out of Vision work. Waterloo. Individual An increase in frequency of stopping Tring to There are currently no spare None. Euston services Extending Abbey Line trains paths south of Watford from Watford Junction to Euston. Junction. The situation may change once HS2 is operational. Individual Most important strategic priority: turn Watford Noted. None. Junction into a major transport interchange hub, offering better interchange facilities for local, Crossrail and services. As an Abbey Line user these developments would enhance the value of the Watford to St Albans branch as a feeder service to the Watford Interchange Hub. Consideration should be extended to include the West London Line currently operated by Southern Railways between Watford Junction and Clapham Junction.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Opposed to HS2 in its current form as it will Noted. HCC position is to None. destroy many environmentally important support in principle HS2. areas, and it will use economic resources better used for improving existing services. Individual Consider converting Abbey Line into busway Any change to the line’s None. to improve links in St Albans and elsewhere. infrastructure would be most beneficial as part of a wider scheme to increase linkages. Strategy refers to possible longer-term options. Individual There is no mention of improving stopping Noted. None. services to / from Apsley or Kings Langley. While the improvements at Watford and Tring are to be encouraged it makes little sense if the services getting to these hubs from the remaining stations remain at only one or two trains an hour as this does not provide the credible alternative to the car, and does nothing to improve the sometimes hour long wait for a connection from Watford station to Apsley to travel the short distance north. Individual As all trains on the Euston to Tring and Noted. None. Clapham Junction to Milton Keynes line already pass through Apsley and Kings Langley (without stopping), simple changes to the timetabling could easily add services and destinations. By additionally stopping the Milton Keynes to Clapham "Southern" service and a couple of the existing Euston/Tring bound "London Midland" services at Apsley and Kings Langley these would broaden the available direct destinations with minimal Page 42

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy impact on service timetabling (as already happens on occasions when there are delays on the line). Adding a Crossrail stopping service in the future would further widen the range of direct services. While the other proposals are to be commended there are simpler solutions that are being overlooked. Individual Have more trains stop at Apsley. Noted. None.

Individual Having all long-distance trains stop at Any change to the line’s None. Watford Junction *for boarding and alighting* infrastructure would be most is vital. Improvements to the Abbey Flyer Line beneficial as part of a wider - put in a . Have Abbey Flyer scheme to increase trains pass to/from the main line so adding linkages. Strategy refers to the ability to travel from Euston to/from the possible longer-term Abbey Flyer. Running Abbey Flyer trains options. later. Adding a station beside ASDA (between Garston and ) would allow shopping trips to ASDA and Sainsbury's at the Dome roundabout to take place by train. Individual Extension of Crossrail services to Tring is of The benefit of bringing Change text to support benefit to local rail users, but to terminate the Crossrail to the WCML is to Crossrail link in principle, but services here will make the already serious provide a wider range of not specify the details. issues of traffic and parking significantly journey options, and hence worse. There has been an associated a terminal at Tring is not increase in road traffic on local minor roads, essential. many without footpaths and not designed for the capacity. Some of these issues could be addressed by road improvements and additional station car parking. . More sensible to extend the service further north and remove some of the pressures on Tring. Page 43

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Has anyone really thought through the If link were to be built, HCC Change text to support practicality of stopping Cross rail at Tring. would be lobbying to ensure Crossrail link in principle, but Commuters from Milton Keynes would have that semi-fast services are not specify the details. to stop and change trains at Tring in order to retained in addition to go in to London. Tring station is located in Crossrail services. Hertfordshire Area of Outstanding Natural beauty and significant damage could be done to this area as a result of bad planning on this issue. Have Cross rail ending at Milton Keynes. Individual Most important strategic priority: the turning of Noted. None. Watford Junction into a major interchange transport hub. As an Abbey Line user and supporter, these developments crucial for the enhancement and development of Watford and St Albans branch, as a channel to the Watford interchange hub. Individual Councils should be lobbying the service West London Line services None. groups for rail and road, as well as the are included in strategy. Department of Transport, for routes to be found for through-services to London Euston and/or West London line as this would promote the use of rail services along this line and improve revenue. Individual I think there should be more stops at Watford Supported by strategy. None. Junction for long distance trains, other than Birmingham i.e. Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow. Even the Birmingham train is only once per hour. Individual Improve Abbey Line with passing loop. Have Strategy seeks improvement None. from London to stations on Abbey to service frequency. Line and also up to Hemel.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Improved road access to Watford Junction, Noted. None. particularly for Public Transport. Individual Provision must be made for passengers when Noted. None. Euston is redeveloped for HS2, to minimise the disruption. A longer term goal should be to improve the connectivity of Watford Junction to other areas of the South East (e.g. East London). Individual Instate through train services from London There are currently no spare None. Euston to St Albans Abbey. Network Rail has paths south of Watford already provided track and signalling Junction. The situation may infrastructure at Watford Junction to allow change once HS2 is through running of trains between London operational. Euston and St Albans Abbey. Individual Kings Langley station enjoys only a limited Noted. None. northbound service as far as Tring, while other stations along the line (including Tring itself) are served to Milton Keynes and beyond. Individual Long distance trains leaving London used to Strategy includes None. stop at Watford Junction. Should be re- aspirations for more instated to avoid unnecessary trips into InterCity services at Watford London when a fast northern train can simply Junction. be intercepted at Watford. Individual Move Hemel Hempstead station nearer to Strategy to refer to Dacorum Reference to be included. centre of Hemel Hempstead. (as it used to BC aspirations to review the be!) station location. (Note that old station was on closed line to Harpenden rather than on West Coast Main Line).

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - WCML HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Send some WCML trains to Gatwick via new Strategy includes None. platforms at Willesden Jn/Old Oak Common, aspirations for better taking over current Overground services on services using West London W London Line. Hub could be at Hemel Line. Hempstead. Individual New Hemel Hempstead station on A414 with Strategy to refer to Dacorum Reference to be included. coach links to Heathrow, Stansted and Luton BC aspirations to review the airports. New Castlemead station linking with station location. 61 bus extended back to Luton. Through trains to Gatwick. Individual Crossrail capacity would be better served Noted. None. growing the Chiltern mainline route as the WCML services are already 12 carriage electric trains, so there's little room for growth. Individual Provision of a short link under the WCML Any change to the line’s None. south of Watford Junction linking LO metro infrastructure would be most service to the Abbey Line enabling LO beneficial as part of a wider operation, as well as through services from scheme to increase the Amersham Line to St Albans. linkages. Strategy refers to possible longer-term options. Individual Re-instate through the night trains from Noted. None. Euston to Milton Keynes Central stopping at major stations (hourly). Individual Current privatised rail system is not fit for HCC focus is on None. purpose and should be nationalised. improvements for passengers, and is neutral on the structure of the rail industry.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation LONDON TO AYLESBURY CORRIDOR

Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy ABFLY No comments. N/A N/A Chiltern Railways Believe that would be poor business case for - Include reference to running Chiltern services from Watford- complexities highlighted & Aylesbury via the chord as expect low use strategic review as that would not justify additional intervention. trains/diversion of existing trains- priority is to address overcrowded trains. Chiltern line infrastructure & operational complexities make it hard to improve capacity/journey times despite Chiltern Railways attempts to lengthen trains & improve journey times. Suggest a co-ordinated strategy/governing process. Radlett Society Propose in medium term linking the London - Primrose Hill Link not seen None. Aylesbury line to the Abbey Line with dive- as a priority as Overground under WCML after Watford High Street, services are already to potentially to be used by Chiltern/LOROL. increase along the existing Improving Overground frequency is routing to Watford Junction. preferable to Bakerloo for comfort. Propose Refer dive under to extending the Highbury Overground service Transport Vision. via Primrose Hill to increase Watford Junction frequency. Three Rivers Support the Croxley Rail Link, longer/higher - Include text emphasising District Council capacity rolling stock for Chiltern franchise & that improving connectivity improving Watford- Amersham/Aylesbury from Watford-Amersham connectivity via the Amersham chord if there should not impact existing are no impacts on existing services from services to London. Three Rivers to London.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Transport for Support Croxley Rail Link, Watford Junction Bakerloo/LO service Include text on page 64 London interchange hub (if station congestion preferences already (4.5.2) re: Watford Junction addressed), improving Chiltern line capacity included. congestion being addressed (if does not impact Met/Chiltern services in & on pages 62 & 64 re: London) & no objection in principle to direct existing services not being Watford-Amersham services via the chord if impacted. operational requirements met & existing Met services on any route are not affected. Against Bakerloo extension north of Harrow & Wealdstone; prefers increasing LO to 4tph. Individual Suggest electrifying Amersham to Aylesbury - Include in strategic review of to facilitate connectivity from Watford to London to Aylesbury line. Aylesbury & improve broader orbital links, incorporating into LUL or LOROL networks. Individual London Transport does not provide for those Refer car parking to Station Text to be included to outside London, e.g. trains with less seats & facility survey. emphasise priorities of HCC removal of fast/semi-fast services. Improve with service devolution to car parking (more spaces/ joint rail & car park TfL. ticket). Individual Create new cross London link via Circle Line This direct routing would be To be considered as part of with fast electric main line trains hard to accommodate on a Strategic Review of the Aylesbury/Amersham/Chesham (each every existing lines and can London-Aylesbury Line 30min) stopping only at Harrow between already be achieved with services to be included in Moor Park and W Hampstead. changes. Running faster the Strategy. Metropolitan Line services in the off-peak (as well as those already running in the peak) without significantly affecting slower services would be useful if achievable with LUL.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Aylesbury services, and potentially London Refer Aylesbury -Abbey line None. Overground services, running on to Abbey link to Transport Vision. Line via flyover. Aylesbury stop on HS2 Aylesbury station outside services. remit - refer to Bucks CC. Individual Retain Watford Met station & terminate Greater benefits of linking None. Chiltern services there and not Watford Chiltern services into Junction. Watford Junction as hub station- no change proposed. Individual Electrify Chiltern rail and divert all Met line - Include strategic review of services to Watford via Croxley Link, with the London - Aylesbury services extended Bakerloo line in 2020. Aylesbury- in Strategy. Watford is likely with Chiltern taking over Chesham services long term. Individual Croxley Rail Link to Abbey Line. - Include in strategic review of London to Aylesbury line. Croxley Rail link needs S8 rolling stock to HCC has no view on the Bakerloo Line text to be permit 1tph to Chesham-Watford; Chesham & particular rolling stock other amended. Amersham from Watford; disagree with than that it should be able to Bakerloo extension. Agree CR1 & increase in provide increased capacity. Milton Keynes - Croydon services. HCC would support Rationalisation of Bakerloo & London connectivity to Chesham if Overground. Fully accessible services. that did not impact on existing services or on other service aspirations but does not see it as a priority. Bakerloo Line is unlikely to be extended by TfL- Overground frequency increase is preferred. Fully accessible aspiration to be referred to Station facility survey. Page 49

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Croxley Rail Link & Watford Hub most Refer links to Abbey Line to None. important. West London Line & London Transport Vision. Overground services running to Abbey Line. Individual Retain Watford Met station to see if needed in Watford Met station will None. future. close once new services on the link commence. It was considered that splitting services between the station and Watford Junction would mean that the frequency of the trains to both stations would suffer and all users would end up with a poorer service overall. It was concluded that continuing to serve both stations would present poor value for money owing to the high cost and reduced revenue of keeping Watford Met open - the latter resulting from many people choosing to use the new station at Ascot Road because it is more convenient. Furthermore, it would result in the majority of Metropolitan line customers on the more heavily used Watford Junction line having to wait longer for trains. Individual Aylesbury- Watford lowest priority. Include in strategic review of None. London to Aylesbury line. Page 50

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual LA3 & 4 similar. Liaise with Chiltern on LA3 & 4 are similar because None. opportunities. Link services to Abbey Line. the same intervention has been included in the Strategy for both Chiltern and underground services but HCC has no preference on who provides the services but only that the service be provided. Refer to Transport Vision. Individual Amersham chord already operational with Refer fares zones to new Clarify text on Amersham early/late trains. Consider fare zone Ticketing section. chord. boundaries (Watford Met cheaper than Watford Junction). Individual Rickmansworth & Chorleywood Chiltern Refer to Strategic Review of None. services are potentially at risk; preferred over London- Aylesbury Line. Met services as faster and more appropriate trains. New top priority: securing if not increasing the present Chiltern line service at Rickmansworth and Chorleywood, and in particular working to secure its future in the new franchise after 2021, with higher density trains, new timetables to address different station calling patterns to allow for short/long platforms. Include Rickmansworth - Watford Junction services at appropriate times in new Croxley Rail link timetable. Individual Amersham chord should be short not medium - Amend short-medium term term as already there and would avoid need as needs to be made of having to change at Moor Park. compatible with Croxley Rail Link as minimum.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Prioritise Croxley Rail Link. Chiltern priorities Refer to Strategic Review of None. lie outside Hertfordshire. Discussion on detail London- Aylesbury Line. of Croxley Rail Link and wider network. Individual Quainton Road station should become Outside scope of Strategy- None. permanent stop once Aylesbury services are refer to Bucks CC. extended north. Individual Reinstate platform 5 at Watford Junction for Bakerloo services are not None. Bakerloo services. Improve frequency of favoured by TfL; LO/Bakerloo trains to 10 minutes at Watford Overground frequency, Junction. Run Watford - Princes Risborough included in strategy, is services 2tph to link in with Chiltern preferred. HCC has no view Birmingham services. Croxley Rail Link on what infrastructure would platforms long enough for football traffic. be needed to provide increase, unless it would impact on other services. HCC does not see direct trains to Princes Risborough and on to Birmingham as a priority as this journey can be achieved from Hertfordshire by better alternative means and can be achieved with a connecting train at Aylesbury. TfL's current plans are for 'Cassiobridge and Watford stations to have platforms at full length allowing for 8 car trains. In addition as part of the MLX, platforms 3 and 4 at Watford Junction will be extended by to allow for 8 Page 52

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy car trains. Watford High Street platforms will not be extended and selective door opening will be required. Football traffic has been considered as part of station planning. Stations designs are based on standard weekday demand and it is anticipated larger match day crowds will be accommodated and safely managed by the use of “station control measures”.'

Individual Chord exists & therefore doesn't need Refer to Strategic Review of None. reinstating. Met service from Watford- London- Aylesbury Line. Rickmansworth /Amersham, not Chiltern. Individual Aylesbury- Abbey Line link. Refer to Transport Vision. None. Individual Transfer infrastructure to Network Rail HCC has no view on who None. beyond Rickmansworth & on fast lines south manages the infrastructure - to Harrow. no changes proposed. Individual Retain Watford Met station. Watford Met station will None. close once new services on the link commence. It was considered that splitting services between the station and Watford Junction would mean that the frequency of the trains to both stations would suffer and all users would end up with a poorer service overall. It was Page 53

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – L- A Corridor HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy concluded that continuing to serve both stations would present poor value for money owing to the high cost and reduced revenue of keeping Watford Met open - the latter resulting from many people choosing to use the new station at Ascot Road because it is more convenient. Furthermore, it would result in the majority of Metropolitan line customers on the more heavily used Watford Junction line having to wait longer for trains. Individual Potential bus reduction if Amersham - Refer to Strategic Review of None. Watford rail services. London- Aylesbury Line. Individual Don't need Watford to Amersham & - Clarify text. Aylesbury service. Individual Bakerloo trains unsuitable for longer distance Refer to Train facility None. services. section. Individual Watford Junction- Aylesbury/Amersham Refer to Strategic Review of None. services have limited value. London- Aylesbury Line. Individual Bakerloo extension not needed. Support Refer to Strategic Review of Amend Bakerloo text. Watford- Aylesbury services. London- Aylesbury Line.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation ORBITAL

Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Abbey Line CRP Against bus (but supports LRT & - Revise Abbey Line section tram-train) & skip stop services. Include to reflect concerns including through running to London Euston & Crossrail on BRT, skip stop services, destinations. & on other priorities including through running. Abfly Against bus rapid transit for Abbey Line as - Revise Abbey Line section part of wider East West corridor. Propose to reflect concerns including 'ultra-' as acceptable solution e.g. on BRT, skip stop services, Parry People Movers on Stourbridge branch desire to retain as heavy rail line, and maybe light rail. Services can & on other priorities technically now run through to London with including through running at recent revise track layout work by Network least in peak, TfL Rail. Rail industry should be challenged re management & potential link available paths on WCML. Against skip stop with MML. Amend text on services, particularly if 3 station closures, but passing loop business case could amalgamate Park Street & How Wood & on track layout now with new station at Tippendell Lane. permitting through running. Challenge the 'extreme under-utilisation' of the branch with significant ticketless travel. Challenge low business case for passing loop as new innovative examples of LA lead schemes such as at Penryn with split platform, available rolling stock & high levels of rail investment. Propose revised priorities of: 1. Retention of the Abbey Line as a heavy rail feeder service using electric traction - owned/operated/managed as part of the network. 2. Promotion of an improved service frequency and 'clockface' timetable, 30mins or possibly 20mins, with a Bricket Wood passing loop and second train. Page 55

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Potentially with amalgamation of two stations at How Wood and Park Street to reduce the end-to-end journey time. 3. Promotion, through the lobbying of NR, ORR, DfT and future TOCs, for through-services to London Euston and/ or the West London Line, at least during peak hours. Possibly also: 4. lncorporation into TfL-controlled/specified/ managed services as part of the London Overground network. 5. lnvestigation of a 'St Albans Link', in the long term, to the . APTU Include through running post HS2 to Euston & - Revise Abbey Line section Old Oak Common to CR1; enable 30 min to include through running & frequency with calling at less used stations consideration of calling at hourly (every other service) less used stations less frequently to enable 30 minute frequency. Bricket Wood Against bus rapid transit & include through - Revise Abbey Line section Residents running to reflect concerns on BRT Association & through running. Cambridgeshire Prefer EWR central section link via Hitchin or Amend 'Other orbital County Council Sandy movements' section to reflect revised priorities of EWR Consortium & best options for HCC, & HCC aspiration of Luton - Stevenage as local link

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Chiltern Railways Consider Abbey Line together with re- - Amend 'Other Orbital appropriating former rail lines in the county to movements' section to create rail equivalent of GLC's 'Ringway 4' include reference to concept, linking St Albans to Hertford via investigation of former lines Hatfield, Welwyn & Stevenage; also former as potential intervention to lines from Hemel Hempstead to Harpenden to be considered further by Welwyn etc. Transport Vision work. CPRE Against BRT. Proposes better use of rolling - Revise Abbey Line section stock. to reflect concerns on BRT. Dalton Warner Propose commissioning feasibility study into - Amend 'Other Orbital Davis LLP (for LRT/BRT. movements' section to HSBCP) include reference to further investigation of LRT/BRT as part of wider east west options within Transport Vision. Mill Hill Support light rail on Abbey Line, with potential To be picked up by None. Neighbourhood future extensions to St Albans City and Transport vision. Forum Bushey? Bushey Heath stations, & on to the former Edgware to Mill Hill East line North Herts District Consider including consideration of east west Refer to Herts Highways, None. Council movements to UTP & other strategy work. etc.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Radlett Society Propose dive-under through Watford Viaduct WCML & MML dive unders None. between Watford Junction & Watford High & orbital route to be referred Street to reconnect the Abbey Line with the to Transport Vision; suburban network (slim design on piers akin infrastructure solutions for to Cassio Viaduct- enabling the Abbey Line will be Chiltern/Overground services from St Albans considered with the rail to Amersham, , Croydon & industry; safeguarding of rail Oxford); propose bringing back 2 platforms at lines will be considered Watford Junction, Bricket Wood & St Albans where appropriate. Abbey to facilitate 4tph; propose dive -under on Midland Main Line at Napsbury, to facilitate a new halt & Park & Ride facility for St Albans with Abbey line services continuing southbound on the Midland slow lines through the Northern Heights tunnel to the freight lines from Silkstream to Finchley Road. Restored Halts at Colindeep, Welsh Harp (for Brent Cross) and Finchley Road terminus on the freight (to be designated Abbey Metro) lines would create new transit opportunities. Propose consideration (& safeguarding) of former rail lines to address future growth, e.g. Alban Way. Propose orbital route from Finchley Road to Amersham via Napsbury, Park Street, Watford, Croxley with Brent Cross & St Albans P & R potential.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Railfuture Against BRT (but support LRT between 2 - Revise Abbey line section to towns- not just stations). Propose reflect BRT concerns & consideration of light rail for former rail lines. include reference to Amend OM3 as East West Rail central investigation of LRT on section options have changed. former rail lines as part of wider east west options in Transport Vision. Update route options for EWR central section. St Albans City & Would not 'necessarily' support BRT. Propose - Revise Abbey line section to District Council that options should be explored to improve reflect BRT concerns & services. 'Other Orbital movements' section to emphasise exploration of other options as part of Transport Vision. St Albans Civic Against BRT (but support LRT with passing Consider depot location with Revise Abbey Line section Society loop). Propose that light rail vehicles could be any detailed feasibility for to reflect concerns on BRT. serviced at new depot at Watford Junction; light rail. Refer additional propose accessing trains from Everard Close access at St Albans Abbey at St Albans Abbey - both sides- with to the TOC/Network Rail. selective door opening. Continue to use Continue to press for existing rolling stock if maintained. Consider improved maintenance of best franchise operator for the line including existing rolling stock with the Overground/Southern. TOC & DfT. Not for HCC to specify train operator.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Orbital AL HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy St Stephens Parish Against BRT (but not LRT although doubt - Revise Abbey line section to Council feasibility & concern that could delay other reflect concerns on BRT & more practical options). Through running is skip-stop services/station possible with new track layout. Against skip- closures, desire to retain as stop services & station closures. Challenge heavy rail & on other the 'extreme under-utilisation' of the branch priorities including through with significant ticketless travel. Challenge running at least in peak, TfL low business case for passing loop as new management & potential link innovative examples of LA lead schemes with MML. such as at Penryn with split platform, available rolling stock & high levels of rail Amend text on passing loop investment. Propose that retain Abbey Line business case & on track as heavy rail, with through running at least in layout now permitting peak and investigation into link to Midland through running. Main Line; consider incorporation into London Overground concession. Stevenage Borough Options for East West Central section have - Amend 'Other orbital Council changed; strategy should be updated. movements' section to Propose that a Luton-Stevenage route be reflect revised priorities of jointly promoted by Herts councils & Luton EWR Consortium & best Borough Council as part of the East Coast options for HCC, & HCC Route Study. Propose that greater aspiration of Luton - consideration be given to use of former rail Stevenage as local link lines for east west heavy rail opportunities in the county, starting with St Albans to Hatfield. LRT/BRT are not viable solutions- only heavy rail. Welwyn Hatfield Luton-Stevenage route not likely now as part - Amend 'Other orbital Borough Council of EWR central section. movements' section to reflect revised priorities of EWR Consortium.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation ACCESS TO AIRPORTS

Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy ABFLY Suggest adding running Abbey Line services Refer to Transport Vision. None. onto West London Line & on to Gatwick to improve connectivity & journey choice. Luton Airport Long distance services should be - Long distance services at St concentrated on Luton Airport Parkway, as Albans to be amended to railhead for region; stops should not be enabling intercity calls shared between stations. Luton airport is during disruption. Include evaluating the poor access between the text on Airport consideration station & terminal including mass transit & of improving access heavy rail. Improving overnight services between station & terminal, to/from Luton Airport Parkway (and through include improving overnight St Albans) should be included. services to the airport Radlett Society Propose that Heathrow/HS2 should be Reinstating through services Include text on London reached via London Overground at Old Oak on the WLL to Gatwick is an Overground connections at Common or by Croxley Link if CR1 extended aspiration that could be Old Oak Common to to Amersham. Mainline services will not considered with future Heathrow. return to WLL, Southern services are part of franchising arrangements GTR franchise. For Stansted the two Hertford and so no amends are stations should be reconnected & the proposed. The possibility of Braintree spur reinstated. reconnecting the 2 Hertford stations will be considered in broader orbital movements with the Transport Vision. Will refer the Braintree spur reinstatement to Essex County Council.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Railfuture Amend reference to Luton-Stevenage route - Remove reference to Luton- as East West Rail Central section option as Stevenage as EWRCS has now been dropped from this scheme. option and consider as local Agree to improved interchange connectivity scheme). Reference airports for indirect services (no view on direct in Orbital section under options). Consider if wider orbital options potential wider orbital referenced in Orbital section could feed north options & wider orbital of London airports. options feeding airports in this section. Transport for Reference should be made to Mayoral - Include reference to new London preferred option for new airport serving airport, edit text re CR2 to London, & should lobby with TfL for good rail Stansted airport & include access. Good links to Heathrow will remain ensuring balance between useful if new town. No objection to Stansted services, include text on priorities if do not impact services in London taking into consideration but not CR2 to Stansted as too slow. Any heavy use of WLL in plans. plans for WLL for improved access to Gatwick must consider existing heavy use by London passengers. Watford Borough Suggest developing orbital rail route from Refer to Transport Vision. None. Council Watford to Heathrow around M25 with interchange stations & new stations on key access routes. Individual Support Heathrow priority. No action needed. None. Individual To improve access to Stansted emphasises CR2, 4-tracking, Hertford Level crossings to be the following in order: CR2, 4-tracking WAML, east branch improvements, included. Hertford East branch improvements including Stansted second tunnel, doubling track at Ware, removing level Rye House chord all Orbital section to be crossings, station upgrades, Stansted 2nd included in the Strategy. updated to reflect current tunnel & extra platforms; western access from Refer Stevenage-Stansted status of East West Rail, Stevenage with East West Rail, Hertford option to Transport vision including detail on Luton- North & Rye House chords; Stansted eastern and Braintree line to Essex. Stevenage. access with reinstatement of Braintree line. WCML/WLL service Page 62

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Considers that there is no additional benefit aspiration to be retained as from an extra WCML/WLL service towards alternative to CR1 link. Gatwick as would be achievable with CR1 link Station upgrades to be with change at Farringdon. Bedford-Hitchin is referred to Station facility favoured East West central section option survey. and that Luton-Stevenage could be better served by other options. Focus should therefore be on east west to Stansted for airport connectivity. Individual Luton-Stevenage no longer an option for East Review broader orbital Orbital section to be West rail central section. Support improved options for airport updated to reflect current connectivity at interchanges rather than direct connectivity in transport status of East West Rail, services to Stansted. WCML via WLL to Vision. including detail on Luton- Gatwick/Three Bridges. Consider if broader Stevenage. Airport section orbital options could assist with connections text to be clarified. to airports. Individual East West Rail should be government priority - Orbital section to be but not via southern option. updated to reflect current status of East West Rail, including detail on Luton- Stevenage. Individual Hertford East to Stansted services & fast To be reviewed with CR2. None. Stansted services stopping at Broxbourne/ Cheshunt unlikely to happen. Propose 1 in 4 Stansted Express services run to Stratford to Crossrail & through to Heathrow. Individual Disagrees with WLL/WCML link to Gatwick as Overall analysis strongly None. WLL is slow line & Brighton Main Line has no supports WCML/WLL to spare capacity at times. Upgrade of West Gatwick - therefore no Anglia Line from Liverpool Street to change proposed. WAML Stanstead Airport to reduce journey times and upgrade to improve services increase frequency of services. to Stansted already included. Page 63

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual All outside usage of respondent. N/A N/A Individual Hertford East to Stansted link would reduce - Clarify text on this London service frequency - develop connectivity. Broxbourne as hub instead. Don't prioritise airport services over others. Individual Southern East West rail option too much of a New links to be referred to Orbital section to be diversion to be viable & omits Bedford. Transport Vision. updated to reflect current Extension of Hertford Loop to Luton via status of East West Rail, airport separately from EWR is viable, even including detail on Luton- more with restored link to EWR at Bletchley Stevenage. via Leighton Buzzard. Enables removal of LAP MML stop, facilitating St Albans stop. Individual Short term bus link Watford-Heathrow via Detail to be referred to HCC Bus connectivity to be Rickmansworth, Ruislip Gardens (new Network Planning. emphasised. Wycombe line platforms), A40, A312 and Hayes, encouraging more Virgin stops at Watford Jn pending Hemel Hempstead hub.

Individual Through services from Abbey Line via West Refer to Transport Vision. None. London Line to Gatwick.

Individual Luton-Stevenage option should be mainly in HCC has no views on air Orbital section to be tunnel. East west routes & existing routes to travel, other than to facilitate updated to reflect current be grade separated. Air travel to be reduced; access by rail. Detail to be status of East West Rail, Luton airport to be closed & reused for referred to HCC Network including detail on Luton- housing; no airport expansion. Reinstate 700 Planning, together with Stevenage. bus via Hitchin- Stansted & improve aspiration. frequency; improve frequency of 724 to 15 Bus connectivity to be minutes & extend to Stansted & call at emphasised. Hertford east station. Integrate national Express into local bus network for pass holders.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Include reference to other WCML stations - Amend text. that could benefit from WCML/WLL to Gatwick. Individual Best east west route is Leighton Buzzard; Refer east west route to None. other comments addressed in other sections. Transport Vision. Individual Prioritise connectivity to whichever airport is Refer links to Transport None. confirmed to expand. Link Abbey Line to vision. WCML & then via Cricklewood & Acton to Heathrow. Provide direct bus from St Albans to Heathrow in shorter term. Individual Improved connections needs to be improved - Amend as appropriate. rail connections. Individual This service is too unreliable. - Reliability to be emphasised in Strategy. Individual This service is too unreliable. - Reliability to be emphasised in Strategy. Individual Air travel should be discouraged; improve and The Strategy is considering None. reduce cost of long distance trains to reduce options to improve rail people's desire to fly. travel. Individual Transport options between Rickmansworth & Refer to Transport Vision. None. Heathrow/Stansted/Luton. Individual Reinstatement of Gatwick services from West This is dependent on Coach/bus connectivity to Coast Main Line via West London Line should capacity being available on be emphasised. be short term. Reinstatement of coach the Brighton Main Line service from Watford to Heathrow. which is not likely in the short/medium term. Individual Airport links and east west links in central Captured in Strategy. None. Herts are crucial. Individual Airport connectivity for business and tourism. - Emphasise in text.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Airports HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Door to door taxis often quicker & cheaper The Strategy is looking at None. than rail, so why bother with latter. how a viable alternative can be provided. Individual Link Heathrow, Gatwick & Luton airports with Refer to Transport Vision. None. Abbey Line to MML, and to West London Line, together with Crossrail. Individual Improve connections north from Stanstead Outside remit of Strategy- to None. Airport to Cambridge, Peterborough and be referred to LSCC. Norwich. Individual Crossrail 2 to Stansted not Cheshunt to Stansted not being pursued None. support forecast housing & potential 2nd by HCC as CR2 terminus as runway, & facilitate Stansted Express journey times would be too services. long. Individual Improved bus service between Heathrow & - Include reference. Stansted & Watford & St Albans. Individual Direct link between Luton airport & MML. - Amend text to reflect improving connectivity to Luton airport. Individual Link between Abbey Line & West London Refer to Transport Vision. None. Line to Gatwick. Individual Link between Abbey Line & West London Refer to Transport Vision. None. Line to Gatwick. Individual Link between Abbey Line & West London Refer to Transport Vision. None. Line to Gatwick.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation HS2

Organisation Consultation Comments – HS2 HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Radlett Society H1a not ALL but MORE. Include H2a- propose no change to H1a - amend text to more Northampton, Rugby, Coventry, Nuneaton, text as unlikely that an services, replacing all. Lichfield exclude expresses like Stoke, intercity service would stop Liverpool, Chester H2a alternate off peak at Finsbury Park given its H3a - amend to Express stops at Stevenage or Finsbury Park. proximity to Kings Cross. intraregional. H2b alternate off peak Regional stops at H2b - service frequencies at WGC or Hatfield. H3a St Albans not intercity WGC & Hatfield to be Capture shortfall in car but intra-regional. H3b Not service capacity considered, particularly for parking at Elstree & but frequency especially semi-fast during the local services but unlikely to Borehamwood in proposed peak. Capacity shortages here are for CAR be stops for longer distance Station facility appendix, to PARKING, double decking is a priority. as Stevenage is primary be created in 2016. Greater coordination of overlapping station for this in Herts. services/franchises. Less emphasis on direct H3b- retain existing text as trains when a same platform interchange is capacity covers both service more efficient. frequency & train length. Individual Make as strong a case as possible for - Amend text in 4.8.2 to Watford, identifying demand both to and from include making strong case Watford from the midlands and the north. by determining demand to Milton Keynes is preferred as destination in and from Watford. the south to Watford. Individual Proposals would enhance Abbey Line as No changes to this section. Orbital section to be feeder line to Watford hub. amended. Individual Greater range of destinations directly served - Text to be amended. for long distance; opportunities to travel directly on EC/WCMLs to the north/Scotland, especially at peak times. Long distance service fast options - not stoppers. Individual Improve Abbey Line frequency to 20 minutes Links to Gatwick to be Orbital section to be to Euston/Gatwick with passing loops. referred to transport Vision. updated including on Abbey Line.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – HS2 HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual HS2 opposition but if built released capacity HCC has no view on HS2 None. should be prioritised for local services. Euston other than how best use can reconstruction will cause significant be made of released disruption. Improved pedestrian/bus links capacity on existing lines. between Euston/St Pancras/Kings Cross. The priority is for local service improvements but to balance this with improvements to longer distance service provision. HCC will work with the rail industry to ensure that service disruption is minimised during Euston reconstruction and that links between termini are improved. Individual London Midland has plans to increase longer HCC will work with future None. distance services serving Hertfordshire with franchisees to ensure that HS2 capacity release. the best balance of services is secured for the county. Individual Stopping more long distance trains at Watford HCC supports train Text to be amended to more Junction will decrease line capacity. Make all lengthening to provide long distance at Watford commuter trains 12 car. additional capacity & this is Junction. reflected in the Strategy. Individual Likelihood of slow long distance services to HCC will work with the rail None. Doncaster/York with HS2, with fast long industry to ensure a balance distance abstraction to HS2. Strategy is of services with HS2 needed for classic network as well as for capacity release including HS2. on Network Rail's Route studies & Capacity Plus. Individual More platforms at Watford Junction to make To be considered if needed None. most of HS2 capacity release (new platform 5 with paths made available. & platform 9 rebuild). Page 68

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – HS2 HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual WCML-Gatwick link to release capacity at See WCML & MML None. Euston - see WCML. Divert some HS2 trains sections. to (better connected) St Pancras with MML displaced by new Potters Bar link - see MML. Individual Ensure that connectivity is optimal for HS2 - Connectivity to be services so that journey time gains are not emphasised in the Strategy. lost. Individual Subject to no reduction of service at the Other interventions (IEP & None. remaining capacity bottlenecks, in particular ERTMS) are proposed to Welwyn North. compensate for these- to be kept under review. Individual Improvements are too reliant on HS2. HCC priorities are for local Clarify HS2 text. Improvements to local services rather than services but also to achieve longer distance. some improvements to longer distance services. Individual HS2 opposition, focus should be on improving HCC has no view on HS2 None. existing network. other than how best use can be made of released capacity on existing lines. Individual Focus should be on commuting services HCC has no view on HS2 None. which are likely to suffer reduced funding with other than how best use can HS2 & higher fares. be made of released capacity on existing lines for commuting and long distance services. Individual HS2 opposition. WCML likely to see slower HCC has no view on HS2 None. long distance services and more freight. HS2 other than how best use can to Leeds will be slower. HS2 of little benefit to be made of released the county. capacity on existing lines and will work with the rail industry to this end.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – HS2 HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual More not all long distance services at Watford CR1, WLL services & freight Amend text for Watford Junction. Commuter services south of Milton included in the Strategy. Junction. Keynes should be all be managed by TfL. Thameslink extensions CR1 & services via WLL from WCML should subject to detailed analysis. Connectivity to Luton to be mean that Euston has capacity. Freight emphasised for long capacity to be accommodated or alternatives distance services. provided. 4 out of 6tph long distance trains to stop at St Albans and no Thameslink extensions north. Individual Disagrees with HS2 as currently proposed. HCC has no view on HS2 None. Prefers fewer but longer trains. other than how best use can be made of released capacity on existing lines. Individual Should explain risks of HS2 and not raise - Text to be clarified. hopes. Individual Cannot foresee any additional capacity as will It is expected that a None. still need fast long distance services on proportion, if not all, of fast classic network to serve existing populations long distance services will and to accommodate CR1 would need to transfer to HS2.HCC will sacrifice London Midland or Southern trains. work with the rail industry to ensure a balance of services with HS2 capacity release including on Network Rail's Route studies & Capacity Plus. Individual Proposals are speculation as they are so far Rail industry development None. ahead. Capacity could be solved by not timescales are long and so running empty trains. need to be considered well in advance, even if they will be subject to change. HCC will work with the industry to ensure that the county's needs are best served. Page 70

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – HS2 HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Empty trains are often unavoidable particularly with heavy commuter patterns in one direction but appropriate use of rolling stock is fundamental to achieving greater capacity and HCC will work to ensure that it meets the county's needs.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation STATION FACILITIES

Organisation Consultation Comments - Stations HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy ABFLY Emphasised the unkempt state of the trains Already captured FA3 as None. on the Abbey Line and therefore support for most important in radio securing better rolling stock (FA3). buttons, therefore no action needed. Aldbury Parish Insufficient car parking provision at Tring To be picked up in station None. Council station leading to parking in adjacent roads, facility survey. likely to worsen if CR1 implemented. Hertford Town A lift for platform 1 at Hertford North. Detail to be picked up in Include reference to Council Station facility survey. platform access in section 4.9. Hertfordshire Local More integration between other modes and To be picked up in Station Emphasise integration Enterprise rail. facility survey. between modes in section Partnership 4.9. Hertsmere Connect Inadequate car parking, with Borehamwood, To be picked up in station None. Radlett & Potters Bar at capacity leading to facility survey. displaced street parking. Inadequate facilities, e.g. no toilet at Bushey. Access at peak times. Elstree & Borehamwood as gateway for tourism. Pitstone Parish Insufficient car parking provision at Tring To be picked up in station None. Council station leading to parking in adjacent roads, facility survey. Refer cycle likely to worsen if CR1 implemented. route to HCC cycle route Implement foot/cycle path from Pitstone - lead. Tring station to help address car parking. Provide toilet & more shelters at Tring. Improve forecourt to permit increased bus services & car access to cater for more passengers. Improve access to platforms from car park.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Stations HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Public Health Ensuring appropriate provision of facilities/ To be picked up in Station Include text on access for all station accessibility for the elderly, wheelchair facility survey. in section 4.9. users/pushchairs. Radlett Society Train procurement beyond scope of strategy. Retain aspirations for rolling None. Provision of toilets on all stations/trains; staff, stock to assist lobbying for Wi-Fi, Herts travel planners at all stations. improvements. Station CCTV in all car/cycle parking. Double deck facility improvements to be full car parks. picked up in Station facility survey Railfuture Station facility improvements to be addressed To be picked up in Station Include examples of facility through franchise specifications, e.g. facility survey. improvements in Section improved way-finding signage and 4.9. information screens, public address, WiFi, toilets, weatherproof shelters, seating, staffing, and shared commitment with DfT/Network Rail for more step-free access. Savills and Alan Address access to & within station for all, To be picked up in station Amend text to reflect. Baxter Ltd on behalf including integrated services & through facility survey. of Grand Union ticketing. Investments Ltd St Albans City & Improve passenger circulation at Harpenden To be picked up in station None. District Council & St Albans City stations & car park capacity facility survey. at Harpenden, which are inadequate for current & projected use. St Stephen Parish No comments. N/A N/A Council Three Rivers Supports sustainable and disabled access to - To be referenced. District Council stations. Include detail of other types of station facility.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Stations HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Transport for Improvements to station facilities to be To be picked up in station Include examples of London prioritised, including RTI (screens & PA), help facility survey. improvements in section points, high quality CCTV, staffing during train 4.9. operation, high quality ticket retail facilities, refurbishment/ enhance cleaning/maintenance Tring Town Council More clarity on FA1 & 2 such that there is a - Amend text to include more minimum provision for all stations. FA3 but detail in section 4.9. only if FA1 & 2. TOC/NR to be accountable for poor facilities and include local engagement. Welwyn Parish Trains to be comfortable/inviting to promote - Include more detail on Council off-peak use & reduce car use - unlike new facilities. class 700 which will be unsuitable for longer journeys. Woolmer Green Access, capacity & car parking to be To be picked up in station None. Parish Council addressed at Knebworth station to cater for facility survey. housing planned. Individual Concern over highway capacity & bus service Refer highway capacity None. provision in vicinity of Tring station, issue to Herts Highways & particularly with housing development at bus service provision to Pitstone, with. Improved station facilities at HCC Network Planning. Tring are needed including disabled access Station facility upgrades are and provision of toilets and design should be planned by Network Rail consistent with AONB. with lifts and improved station building in CP5. Individual Station car parking should be free to deter Car parking Include reference to electric travellers making whole journeys by car. facilities/charges to be charging point in Station Electric car charging points at stations. considered with train facilities section. operator on a station by station basis.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Stations HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Sustainable means of getting to stations to be - To be referenced in prioritised over car parking. Better CIS that station/train facility section. are consistent and up to date. Toilets/air conditioning/ bicycle spaces on all trains. Well- lit station signs/train announcements. Enclosed /heated waiting rooms. Individual Access improvements to Hitchin station from Refer to Station facility None. east side & footbridge at end of car park. survey. Individual Lower quality rolling stock without disabled & More gates at St Albans are Text to reflect that rolling bicycle spaces to provide more seats, planned in CP5. stock facilities to be including first class. Lifts at all stations. More appropriate for service ticket barriers at St Albans to limit congestion. provided. Disabled provision is legal requirement. Access for all is key aspiration for HCC to be reflected in text. Individual More car parking could impact sustainable - Modal integration to be access. Connecting bus services for those emphasised in the Strategy. not near rail stations. Individual Suggests that 'All Hertfordshire stations with To be considered in Station None. a footfall of over 400k pa will be fully facility survey. accessible by 2030'. Clean accessible station toilets; sustainable access to stations. Individual Access for all provision. Higher capacity Refer to Station facility None. rolling stock with features such as grab rails, survey. ventilation, leg room.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation FREIGHT

Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Freight on rail Disagree that peak passenger services are - Amend to passenger affected by freight services as very few run at services being affected by this time. Propose timetable optimisation to freight. Include timetable allow for off-peak freight services. The MML, optimisation in 4.10.1. ECML - south of Hertford North, and the Include reference to the hourly freight path on the WAML to London importance of the MML, the Gateway Port should be safeguarded. ECML- south of Hertford North, and the hourly path on the WAML to the London Gateway Port, to the freight industry in 4.10.1. Hertsmere Connect Concern over impact of Radlett Railfreight - Include reference to Radlett services on passenger services. Railfreight in Strategy. Radlett Society Consider how freight investment could - Expand existing text on how facilitate passenger services, e.g. Napsbury freight improvements could freight dive-under reconnecting the Abbey facilitate passenger Line to the Midland slow lines, under used services. freight lines from Silkstream to Finchley Road for an outer stopping Metro service, occasional freight lines around Buckingham could be upgraded to reconnect passenger links. St Albans City & Include reference to the decision of the - Include reference to Radlett District Council Secretary of State in 2014 to grant planning Railfreight in Strategy & permission for a Strategic Rail Freight potential impacts. Terminal at Park Street and the implications of that decision for the Strategy.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Tring Town Council Network Rail should clearly publicise the Not the remit of the Rail None. amount of commuter delay caused by freight Strategy but the rail industry traffic on the commuter line into London on how to manage delays Euston (from, for example, Tring) and by freight traffic. produce an action plan to minimise the disruption. Freight deficiencies at Tring should be referenced (see response to question 2.12). Individual Re-routing freight via an electrified Felixstowe - Include reference to to Nuneaton line (particularly with MML example of this in 4.10. electrification) would release capacity on the WCML, MML & the ECML for passenger services. Welwyn Hatfield Supports better management of - Include reference in 4.10 of Borough Council freight/passenger services on the Hertford managing freight/passenger Loop to protect Cuffley passenger services in services on Hertford Loop. times of ECMl disruption. Individual Reschedule freight trains so that they pass Managing potential impacts None. through stations after passenger trains have of freight services on departed so that impacts are minimised. passenger services is emphasised in the Strategy. Individual Create new strategic freight route from Refer to Transport Vision. None. Channel Tunnel to ECML via Barking, Seven Sisters and Ware using WAML enhancements and new curve, to take HGVs off M25/M11/A14/A1 corridor. Individual Freight trains are noisy and they should not The network in the county, None. run at night. with competing passenger and freight services, is nearing capacity. One of the few times when this is less the case is through the night when passenger services Page 77

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy are limited. HCC will work to achieve a balance of services but not running freight trains is unlikely to be achievable. Individual Against Radlett Railfreight Terminal. Prioritise Passenger services have Text to be included on passenger services at peak times. been prioritised in the updated status of RRFI. Strategy at peak times. Individual Who has the role of encouraging potential rail HCC to work with rail Text to be included on freight? Is the freight industry persuaded to industry to achieve balance updated status of RRFI. think small as well as big? Restored of services. New station not Napsbury station for RRFI staff. Potential a priority at this stage as employees from London Colney should be would compromise already able to cross tracks to access RRFI. limited capacity on the MML but to be kept under review, together with access across line from London Colney, if and when a rail freight depot is progressed. Individual New MML freight lines & reinstating rail link to Refer to Transport Vision. None. the Abbey line would improve the Radlett railfreight project by reducing impact on Thameslink & improves Abbey line upgrade business case. Individual Supports freight by rail and would like to see Noted. None. expanded. Individual Provide passing loops and 3/4 tracking on all Infrastructure improvements None. 2 track sections e.g. Hertford Loop and have been included in the WAML. Reduce the total amount of freight Strategy on the Hertford transport by reducing unnecessary Loop and WAML, to consumption and increasing more locally facilitate increased capacity based production. Divert lorry freight onto for services, including for railways/ships where possible. freight. Consumption and Page 78

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy globalisation are beyond the remit of the Strategy. The Strategy encourages modal shift from road to rail. No changes proposed. Individual HCC to not sell the land for RRFI and if not Managing potential impacts Text to be included on possible to ensure that passenger services of freight services on updated status of RRFI. are not impacted by its implementation. passenger services is emphasised in the Strategy. Individual Encourage rail freight to reduce road deaths. The Strategy encourages None. modal shift from road to rail. No changes proposed. Individual Supports the RRFI & urges that HCC should The Strategy encourages Text to be included on sell the land to reduce road freight. modal shift from road to rail. updated status of RRFI.

Individual Strategic rail/road freight interchange at Park The Strategy encourages Text to be included on Street. modal shift from road to rail. updated status of RRFI.

Individual Large companies to use Abbey Line for night Refer to Transport Vision. None. freight & help fund infrastructure improvements to support. Individual Supports RRFI and of using rail freight to HCC will work with the rail Include text on road and transport minerals/aggregates for road and industry to ensure a balance house building and of house building in the county. The Strategy of services on the MML to developing ports, and should reference developments in freight meet the county's needs. updated status of RRFI. ports in the north-east, at Thamesport, Felixstowe and Southampton. Believes that all freight can be accommodated in the existing MML timetable. Individual Against RRFI because of impact on local HCC will work with the rail Text to be included on community. industry to ensure a balance updated status of RRFI. of services on the MML to meet the county's needs. Page 79

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Provided that there is NO impact on any Managing potential impacts None. passenger travel needs of freight services on passenger services is emphasised in the Strategy. Individual HCC to not sell the land for RRFI or re-open HCC will work with the rail Text to be included on discussion of direct access from/to the M25 industry to ensure the updated status of RRFI. otherwise any future plans to support new county's needs are met. terminals will be treated with cynicism. Individual Strongly opposes RRFI as will be hard for HCC will work with the rail Text to be included on services to serve it. industry to ensure the updated status of RRFI. county's train service needs are met. Individual The Rail Freight Terminal at Radlett will HCC will work with the rail Text to be included on cause considerable disruption to passenger industry to ensure the updated status of RRFI. services during its construction. When county's needs are met and complete the extra road traffic that it will that any disruption/impacts generate will cause massive traffic are minimised should the congestion. RRFI go ahead. Individual No HCC expertise that understands current HCC has drawn on ARUP None. freight needs. freight expertise to inform the development of the Strategy. It will work with the rail industry to ensure the county's needs are met going forward, drawing on appropriate expertise as relevant.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments - Freight HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Individual Compromise between passenger and freight HCC to work with rail Amend wording. services, with the latter not to be discouraged industry to achieve balance because it is forced to use less than optimal of services as emphasised times. Replace new terminals being in the Strategy. compatible with local needs of local communities with 'with minimal impact' to emphasise wider context. Individual Emphasises need of 4-tracking/infrastructure 4-tracking/infrastructure None. improvements on WAML to accommodate improvements included in freight from DW Thamesport/Tilbury & the Strategy to address Barking displaced from North London capacity issues on WAML. Line/GOBLIN (because of increasing Metro HCC has no view on Overground services) to Willesden & WCML. electrification of Electrify Ely /March/Peterborough to run Ely/March/Peterborough but electric freight north & west and allow long & would support if provided middle distance electric passenger services improved/additional services along ECML to divert via Hitchin, Ely, that did not impact existing Cambridge, Peterborough, to provide resilient service provision. service and allow more rail opportunities north & west from Stansted.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation TOP PRIORITIES

Organisation Consultation Comments – Top Priorities HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy ABFLY Disappointed at low prioritisation of Abbey - Revise Orbital section to Line. Include extra priorities: short-term - capture aspirations as per retain as heavy rail, improving frequency via Orbital analysis. passing loop, later trains & through-running to London; longer term - improve east west local & strategic connectivity with MML /Abbey line link; include in London Overground network. Broxbourne Improving access to Stansted should be top Improving Stansted access None. Borough Council priority. was not included as a top priority as it did not address multiple conditional outputs - no amends proposed. Luton Airport Support Thameslink services improvements - St Albans long distance to including extension to the north, Luton- be amended to enabling Stevenage for East West Rail & electrification stops during disruption. but not long distance stops at St Albans, Include text on working including with HS2, nor service improvements together with wider to other stations with HS2. stakeholders to consider improvements in the round. North Herts & Support investment in public transport which Passengers and bus None. Stevenage Green should be brought back into public ownership. companies have been Party Refuse to comment on priorities until invited to comment on the stakeholders have been consulted. document (both directly, including user groups, & via advertising campaign). The Strategy sets out priorities for the county regardless of public/private ownership. No amends therefore proposed.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Top Priorities HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Radlett Society St Albans long distance stops should be intra- CR1 terminus of Amersham Amend text for long distance regional not intercity; CR1 extension should would benefit less at St Albans to enabling be to Amersham not Watford. Outlines pros & Hertfordshire stations and intercity stops during times cons of Luton- Welwyn Garden City, so no change to Watford of disruption. Cambridge-Royston, Old Hitchin line & route terminus. East west options via Sandy/EC for EWRCS. to be considered by Transport Vision. Railfuture Disagree with St Albans long distance stops; St Albans stops captured in None. disagree with Luton - Stevenage as top quick reports; capture anti- priority as 2 better options. Disagrees with 4- Luton-Stevenage; capture tracking ahead of CR2. no to 4-tracking before CR2. Transport for Supports top priorities as long as do not CR2 to Stansted is not a top Include text in 5.2 section on London impact London services. Does not support priority and so no amends working with wider CR2 to Stansted. needed. stakeholders to ensure priorities are considered in the round. Text will be amended in the International Airport & WAML sections. Welwyn Hatfield Increasing frequencies at key stations, such This is included as a general None. Borough Council as Welwyn Garden City & Hatfield, as long as aim and as priorities in the it does not impact services to other stations, respective corridors and so should be a top priority. is not needed as a top priority.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation GENERAL AIMS

Organisation Consultation Comments – General Aims HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy North Herts & Enhancements should be based on evidence Stakeholders listed are The Strategy will be updated Stevenage Green rather than projected need. Passengers & those that returned to ensure that it supports the Party local bus companies should be included as comment. most accurate figures for stakeholders. Sustainability is unlikely with growth including current suggestions. housing/employment.

Text on sustainability will be strengthened. Radlett Society Scale by emphasis on direct services to - Amend text in appropriate preserve simpler services & reliability- most sections. connections will be platform change (Radlett- Gatwick, Watford-Heathrow) St Albans City & Make case for more seating capacity before Whilst Thameslink will Amend figures in Strategy District Council 2043, with St Alban's population to grow by provide extra capacity it is (map & appropriate 12.8% by 2031 with attendant housing need acknowledged by NR that evidence sections). of 8720 homes (St Albans C&DC SHMA this could be more standing. 2013-14). Text to be amended to include keeping this under review to ensure that capacity is appropriate.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation OTHER COMMENTS

Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Abbey Line Provided a summary of CRP purpose & No action needed. None. Community Rail membership. Partnership Aldbury Parish Not informed of consultation or listed as All parish councils were None. Council stakeholder. contacted but it appears that some contact details were out of date. These have been updated. Aldbury Parish Aldbury Parish Council, Tring Town Council, All parish councils in None. Council Wigginton Parish Council, the Tring Station Hertfordshire were Residents' Association and the neighbouring contacted but it appears parishes in Aylesbury Vale (Pitstone Parish that some contact details Council and Ivinghoe Parish Council) were not were out of date. These consulted. have been updated and they will be listed as a stakeholder in the Strategy. Aldenham Parish Has no objection in principle to Strategy No action needed. None. Council proposals. Association of Emphasise importance of smart ticketing for - Include text on smart Public Transport through tickets and off-peak/part-time workers, ticketing aspirations. Users beyond ITSO compliant tickets to include phones/NFC devices/contactless, to be added to other services rather than new Herts card.

Bricket Wood Object to BRT for the Abbey Line as would - Text repeated from Orbital Residents' carry fewer passengers, be slower, be costly to section - amend text as per Association implement & preclude rail opportunities in the Orbital section. future; favour a heavy rail passing loop as solution.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Broxbourne Greater emphasis to be given to creating - Strengthen text on how rail Borough Council inward investment. Broxbourne to be included can support inward as economic hub with 7000 new jobs by 2030. investment/visitors. Include Consideration should be given to scenario Broxbourne as economic planning to recognise technology advances. hub with 7000 jobs by 2030 Impacts of HS2 need to be considered further. (p36 etc.); reference to Should include focus on visitors as well as scenario living & working in Executive summary vision. planning/technology P 36 to include employment growth. Specify advances; more on HS2 timeframe for Strategy. Include Southbury impacts; Strategy Loop on diagrams on p4 & 32. Include how the timeframe; Southbury Loop Strategy will interface with local planning on p4 & 32; how interface processes. with planning processes. Cambridgeshire Supportive of rail as sustainable option for No action needed. None. County Council forecast growth & of Strategy objectives.

Chiltern Railways Provide background detail on the existing & - Include more detail in future franchise arrangements & key contact London - Aylesbury line details. Particularly supportive of emphasis on section & strategic review of station & train facilities. Chiltern line is currently route. underused with low line speeds & short platforms constraining growth. Complex ownership makes improvements hard without 3rd party investment. Propose a strategic review of route.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy CPRE Hertfordshire Would strongly oppose new rail schemes in Growth figures in the Text will be amended to currently undisturbed countryside based on Strategy will be revised as emphasise that these are aspirational growth figures not tested/adopted Local plans are adopted interim figures to be that conflict with locally/nationally determined but an indication of confirmed with Local plan policy. Should revise strategy to meet adopted potential scale of growth is adoption. and not draft plans, by local plan deadline of required now to influence 2017. Scale of growth cannot be sustainably emerging rail schemes & achieved within green belt/AONB & planning franchises. policy constraints. Dacorum Borough No comments. N/A N/A Council Dalton Warner Submitted comments on behalf of HSBC No action needed. None. Davis LLP Pensions who own land on the St Albans Road Retail Park, next to Watford Junction.

East Herts Council Support principle of the Strategy & the key - Include Princess Alexandra themes & conditional outputs. Include Princess hospital (Mount Vernon Alexandra & Mount Vernon hospitals in table already included) in table 3.3 on p23. Serious constraints of the 3.3 & EHDC CR2 implementation of CR2 identified by East Herts constraints in West Anglia DC should be recognised in the Strategy. Main Line section.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Freight on Rail More should be included on the benefits & - Reference freight in key impacts of freight including in the key issues & themes & issues section & themes section, including include more detail in economic/social/environmental benefits Freight section. locally/regionally/nationally. Include reference to government policy, road & rail freight complementing each other, importance of moving house-building materials to support forecast new homes, optimisation of existing timetable in short-term. Include existing freight rail services: -to Broxbourne (Rye House) aggregates 1 train per week usually Tues/Weds, to Stevenage (Langley Junction) - aggregates- 1 train per week usually Sun, to Radlett - aggregates up to 2 trains/week usually at night, to Watford Junction - aggregates, 1 train per week. Additional services forecast to proposed Radlett Rail Freight terminal. HCC - Rights of Eliminate community severance/push for - Include text on how level way adequate replacement infrastructure where crossings should be dealt Level Crossings are closed, i.e. bridges / with. underpasses / diversions before extinguishments. Hertfordshire Highlighted that attracting more people to area - Include text on attracting Infrastructure could affect car parking provision at stations; more people could impact Planning Panel competing interests for the West Anglia Main car parking. Include support Line; positive impact of cycle parking; & for cycle parking in overall queried how more services could be provided analysis. on the Hertford North & East Loops.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Hertfordshire Local Solid strategy setting clear priorities and - Include Kings Langley & Enterprise supporting key economic locations in line with Two Rivers as economic Partnership LEP strategic priorities. Include areas of growth areas in West Coast economic growth not included in development Main line section. plans (e.g. Two Rivers between Apsley & Hemel Hempstead & Kings Langley). Support freight improvements outside county if releases capacity for passenger services & benefits the environment.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Hertsmere Connect Hertsmere Connect is partnership of Watford & Refer service frequency Include explanation of what West Herts Chamber of Commerce & improvements at Bushey Hertsmere Connect is in Hertsmere Borough Council. Respondent also to ARUP. stakeholder list. chairs 3 business fora in Hertsmere. Transport & infrastructure are 2 key constraints for Include in overall analysis: business growth. Concerns relate to : car parking, station facilities, motorway congestion (A1, A1M, M1, M25, onward connectivity, Radlett A10, M10, M11), poor east west routes & lack Railfreight concerns. of effective alternatives; poor rail frequency at Elstree & Borehamwood relative to other stations, particularly given footfall & growth, & at Potters Bar/Radlett & Bushey; ease/cost/availability of car parking (at capacity at Bushey/Radlett & Potters Bar leading to displacement); capacity/reliability of services; onward transport connectivity; high costs of travel; station facilities (no Bushey toilet); increasing population/ housing & commercial development; impact of increased freight with proposed Radlett rail Freight terminal; access to stations; Elstree & Borehamwood gateway for high tourist footfall.55% of Hertsmere workforce commute in from Watford/St Albans/Luton/Stevenage/Hemel Hempstead

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Historic England Proposals, including 4-tracking & platform/train - Include text on taking into lengthening, could impact Historic consideration benefits and environment. Relevant designated assets impacts of proposed should be mapped with supporting text. Include schemes when being history of railways in the county & the following developed & consulting with wording 'Ensure rail development proposals the appropriate officers to seek to conserve and enhance the Historic determine what schemes to Environment, heritage assets and their support & how potential settings' under the Environment & impacts could be mitigated. sustainability objective. Include more on history of rail lines in the county. Hitchin Rail Users Disappointed that most consultants/LA reps & The stakeholder list only Will include Hitchin in key Group user groups were not involved earlier, including included those that had stations. Central Beds. Hitchin is key railway centre and commented. In the final should be included as such (including in TL document all stakeholders Update housing figures on diagram on p47 & 'key stations' to London. approached will be map on p20 & include the Current rail usage should be included for each included. User groups Hitchin curve. station, passenger volumes, service levels & were consulted later so overcrowding. Map on p20 should include that they had tangible correct housing figures & the Hitchin curve. A information to comment list of worked up schemes should be included on. TL map has been to take advantage of windfall funding. Action produced by the DfT & is plan has not been commented on as it is not amendable. Current expected to change significantly. rail usage was considered as part of a Baseline report which informed the Strategy. Station facility schemes will be included as an appendix after the station facility survey.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Interlinking Transit Proposes a London Air Rail Transit System To be considered as part None. Solutions Ltd. (LART Rapid Rail) using 'brown' land along of Transport Vision. M25 & M1 (see also Watford BC). Luton Airport Included comments for question 2.2: have - Include aspirations of LAP in pursued 24/7 service as part of Thameslink airports & MML sections. franchise. For question 4.4: set out airport's Amend long distance plan to expand by 2026 with 35 000 new jobs aspirations for St Albans to by 2030. Need to integrate with other transport facilitate stopping only modes for passengers & employees. Have during times of disruption. been working with the DfT on the East Midlands franchise to secure: 4 outer trains per hour taking 32 minutes from St Pancras (6tph in peak); 2 slower inner tph taking 42 minutes from St Pancras and 1 fast non-stop to Luton Airport Parkway taking 20 minutes. Aiming to concentrate & increase frequency of long distance services at LAP to serve as rail head for region Mill Hill Proposes strategic link from St Albans to Capacity from St Albans to Include text on smart Neighbourhood central London using (former Mill central London already ticketing for the county Forum Hill East to Edgware/Bushey Heath line and on provided by Thameslink to Bushey, Watford Junction & St Albans with services and so a new line light rail). Extend Oyster to all Hertfordshire as suggested is not seen stations. as a priority. - Oyster is not ITSO compliant and is likely to be superseded. North Mymms Support improved rail services, particularly Noted. Amend text in station Parish Council connectivity to other modes. Encourage TOCs facilities section to include to provide discounted youth travel. Improve bus connectivity. access to hospitals with connecting buses.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Pitstone Parish Requests being added to consultee list for - Add to contact list. Council Tring station. Public Health Support Strategy vision as access to - Include support for station sustainable transport important for health & facilities (active travel & wellbeing. Connectivity to employment & access) in overall analysis. education important. Health & welfare Include text on health & principles should be included: active travel wellbeing in overall (station facilities & access- give equal priority objectives & in station to active travel infrastructure); accessibility & facilities and on information equality for all; information- health & welfare in station facilities. targeted promotions on stations/trains & signposting to active travel networks & physical health opportunities. Radlett Society Separating Hertfordshire from UK rail network Refer Hospital line to Include text on disused lines not ideal. Comprehensive rail network used to ARUP. as possible options for new exist including east west links which could be routes. re-used. There is an error in Appendix B1 Page 101 Disused Rail lines. The red line incorrectly labelled Hospital Branch is two lines both diverging from the Midland at Napsbury. The original connection from the Watford LNWR at How Wood to the Midland is known as the Napsbury Branch. Diverging from the Midland to the east was a siding to Napsbury Hospital used for Coal, produce, and WW1 Hospital Carriages. There was no connection between these two lines on opposite sides of the Midland main line both merging at Napsbury Station and controlled by the Napsbury signal box. Railfuture Commends the process, including stakeholder No action needed. None. engagement, & methodology/structure. Page 93

Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Savills and Alan Acting on behalf of Grand Union Investments - Include details of Baxter Ltd on behalf who own land to south of Berkhamsted which stakeholder in stakeholder of Grand Union has been included in Dacorum Borough list & reference to Investments Ltd Council's local plan to accommodate 800 development. homes. As the masterplan emphasises improving sustainable transport links to the train station GUI support the general objectives of the rail strategy, including Crossrail. St Albans City & Hard to comments as unclear how schemes - Include reference to District Council were prioritised. More reference to Herts LEP LEPSEP & HIPP & some Strategic Economic Plan should be included& context detail. also Herts Infrastructure Planning Partnership (HIPP). Provided context of the district with population, commuting & economic details. St Stephen Parish Disappointed by approach to Abbey Line as - Amend text as per response Council supports retention as heavy rail with passing in Orbital section (comments loop to allow increased frequency; also through reiterated here). running to London, later trains, Midland Main Line link to the Abbey Line & requests engagement with user groups. Stevenage Borough Robust Strategy with confusing terminology at Terminology is consistent Reference to be made to Council odds with land-use planning. Could be with the rail industry that land-use planning improved with: overarching holistic vision; Strategy is intended to equivalents as appropriate. recognition of regeneration benefits, including influence and is therefore of Stevenage station; new south Stevenage retained. Overarching station to relieve A602 with multi-modal study; vision will come with promotion of heavy rail link between Luton & Transport Vision work and Stevenage by relevant LAs; termination of CR2 amendments made to Rail at Stevenage rather than Hertford East; Strategy subsequently if support for the Rye House chord; upgrade of needed. Other requests Finsbury Park to Moorgate; study on heavy rail addressed in corridor/topic east west links. comments.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy Three Rivers The Strategy does not refer to new/improved LARTS to be referred to A Strategic review for the District Council rail schemes in Three Rivers other than those Transport Vision. Position rail lines in Three Rivers planned. Reserve judgement on Action Plan on on Action Plan noted. area will be included in the p86 as pros & cons not set out. Include text on: Strategy to identify key assumption is that HS2 will go ahead but this is priorities. Text to be not confirmed; Croxley Rail Link will benefit not included on HS2, Croxley just Watford but also the wider area; reference Rail Link. to London Air Rail Transit System (LARTS) as potential light rail scheme along M25 connecting to Heathrow. Tring Station Broadly in favour of strategy proposals, apart Refer need for car parking Include support & Residents from Crossrail 1, which could impact the 94 in Station facilities survey. disagreement in overall Association dwellings near Tring station. Should be a CPZ analysis. around station to prevent displaced parking which is likely to worsen without CR1. Support Include TSRA in future Watford Junction as hub. Tring Residents correspondence & in Association should be included in future Stakeholder list. correspondence related to the Strategy.

Watford Borough Welcome Strategy to support existing/modelled Greater growth & new Population, housing & Council population/housing growth & inform Network lines, with attendant employment figures will be Rail (population baseline to be updated before development/ safeguarding updated ahead of document finalisation). However Strategy to be considered by publication & regularly should go further to address how more Transport Vision. Abbey reviewed. significant growth with London migration could Line comments captured in be addressed with potential new lines. Sites WCML. /routes should be safeguarded for these, & rail owned land/ car park rationalisation should be considered for new development. Abbey Line: improve frequency & connectivity to Watford Junction & onwards, welcome studies on how to achieve.

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Responses to the Rail Strategy Consultation Organisation Consultation Comments – Other Comments HCC Response Action for Rail Strategy WCR250 Very comprehensive conditional outputs as set No action needed as None. out in table 3.3. Pleased to West Coast Main captured in overall Line outputs, recognition of freight/passenger analysis. service balance & improving connectivity to Milton Keynes & the north. Welwyn Hatfield Not enough attention given to need for public Refer to Transport Vision. Highlight Welwyn Garden Borough Council transport in general to accommodate growth City & Hatfield as transport with constrained road network, including hubs. potentially increasing bus subsidy, and particularly the need for east west movements along the A414 corridor given significant expected growth. Should promote Welwyn Garden City & Hatfield as Regional Transport Nodes/strategic transport hubs with more growth in Welwyn Hatfield than Stevenage. Should also be considered for LTP. Welwyn Parish Support strategy objectives including good Comments already None. Council long distance services at Stevenage for captured- see HCC action connectivity to the north, particularly for in ECML responses. business travel. Should include desirability of comfortable trains to promote off-peak travel/reduce car use- class 700's are not suitable for longer journeys. Insert : at page 45, top bullet point, after the words "there are a number of capacity constraints on the line'', add "such as a two-track bottleneck at Welwyn North, at which station any significant reduction in the present service would be unacceptable". Wiggington Parish Proposals largely beneficial to Wigginton but - Add to stakeholder list for Council no specific comments given. Request being future. added to stakeholder list for the future.

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