The transport secretary, Lord Adonis, has published £30bn plans for a 250mph rail link between London and Birmingham. The proposals, which would revolutionise Britain's rail network, are subject to parliamentary approval and public consultation. Work is not due to begin on the route until 2017, with the first stage expected to take 10 years to complete. After that, the government intends to extend the high-speed track to northern England and Scotland.
Peter Walker hears the views of the people of Wendover in the Chilterns, an area of outstanding natural beauty that the new rail route would pass through.
The transport historian Christian Wolmar says the key question is whether the high-speed rail plans would increase capacity on Britain's railways.
The Guardian columnist Julian Glover says the plan will bring economic benefits to the whole country, while the Liberal Democrat transport spokesman, Norman Baker, believes the consultation process will allow members of the public to be heard, and for their views to be given due consideration.
