Dover District Council Scrutiny and Regeneration Committee 5th March 2010
In principle, would Southeastern support an amendment to its franchise agreement to introduce a stop in Deal, for either all or a limited number of high-speed services, if it were financially viable?
The Committee was informed that Southeastern would not support such an amendment. The terms and conditions of a rail franchise were set by the Department for Transport and stipulated the level of service the Government wished to see on the network.
In principle, would Southeastern support an amendment to its franchise agreement to introduce a stop in Deal, for either all or a limited number of high-speed services, if it were financially viable?
The Committee was informed that Southeastern would not support such an amendment. The terms and conditions of a rail franchise were set by the Department for Transport and stipulated the level of service the Government wished to see on the network.
Since the initial introduction of high-speed services the Department of Transport and Southeastern mangement have been responsible for the economic cleansing of East Kent. After intense political pressure and people power on the 5th September 2011 a limited high-speed service was introduced for Deal and Sandwich.
Kent County Council have acknowledged all day high-speed services are required for Deal and Sandwich and it is now a key requirement of their Rail Action Plan.
Today the Department of Transport launched its consultation seeking passenger views on the new South Eastern rail franchise, which is due to begin in April 2014.
We must ensure that the Department for Transport understand the need for all day high-speed services and improved mainline services for Deal are also one of their key priorities.
I encourage you to reply to their consultation.
