Many sections of the media have been calling for a reduction on fuel
duty, to compensate for the rising price of oil. However, there are
many strategic and geological problems associated with our reliance on
oil. The emerging economies of India and China present an ever
increasing demand on what is essentially a finite resource.
Would it not make more sense to invest in electric rail transport,
which uses far less energy than the road equivalent, and can be
powered by many alternative forms, such as nuclear and renewables. A
national high speed passenger network, combined with a parallel broad
loading gauge freight line, could take many cars and lorries off the
road. Such a scheme would not just save energy, but reduce congestion,
which costs business millions.
There is no reason why this could...