Petition launched for electrification of Midland main line

4.08.24pm GMT Mon 9th Nov 2009

The Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesperson for Derby North, Cllr Lucy Care, has launched a petition to have the Derby to London rail line electrified.

This follows the publication of a Network Rail study which recommended electrification.

Cllr Care said "Electrification would make the Midland main line route from Sheffield through Derby to London suitable for the 21st Century. It's good news for passengers who can get to their destinations quicker and good news for the environment as electric trains give off much less carbon dioxide than diesel trains.

"Despite the strong case for electrification the Labour government have dithered on this issue and failed to give a commitment to electrification, despite an overwhelming case for it.

"I have launched a petition which I will be sending to the government so they know how many people want this improvement to our local rail service.

"The need for electrification of the Midland main line was endorsed by Lib Dems across the East Midlands Region at their conference in Leicester on Saturday."

People can sign the petition online at http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/upgrademidlandmainline or return the petition slips I have sent out in leaflets.