Transport authority focuses on East West Rail

East West Rail aims to connect Oxford and Cambridge via Bedford

A multi-billion pound railway project linking Oxford and Cambridge should be electric from "day one" and "more ambitious" in boosting biodiversity, according to a report.

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) has highlighted several "critical issues and priorities" to do with East West Rail (EWR).

EWR aims to connect and increase public transport options between Oxford and Cambridge via Bicester, Milton Keynes and Bedford.

The company behind the project said it was "working closely" with the government to agree its next steps, which include a public consultation.

EWR has yet to announce a date for its consultation on the project, which would build new railway infrastructure in the Cambridgeshire countryside.

Anna Smith, deputy mayor of the CPCA, said there was "a lot of concern" from local residents about EWR and a "real desire to see a little more clarity".

The CPCA's Transport and Infrastructure Committee met on Wednesday to discuss EWR as well as a number of other projects, including electric vehicle infrastructure and broadband.

A report published ahead of the meeting identified a number of "key issues" to do with EWR.

The proposed route includes stops at the new Cambourne and Cambridge South stations

It said linking EWR to St Neots, or creating a new station nearby, would be a "significant opportunity to stimulate growth and regeneration".

A route update from EWR preferred Tempsford in Bedfordshire to St Neots, saying it would have a "greater potential for development".

Sam Wakeford, a councillor in Huntingdon and member of the committee, said it would be "enormously disappointing and frustrating for residents" in St Neots to have the new line "zoom past... without direct connectivity there".

The CPCA's report also said "electrification from day one" would avoid relying on diesel trains and expensive retrofitting in the future.

EWR plans to initially use existing diesel trains on the section between Oxford and Milton Keynes, but said it was working to be net zero carbon before a government 2040 target.

'We are committed'

The report considered urging EWR to be "more ambitious" in its plans to enhance biodiversity along the route and protect natural habitats.

EWR said the project would achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain, but concerns have been raised about the impact of the new railway line cutting through countryside.

A spokesperson for EWR said: "Now that a new government is in place, we are working closely with them to confirm the next steps for the project.

"We are committed to keeping communities and landowners informed every step of the way, and we will of course provide an update as soon as we have more information."