By rail to Stonehenge

The problem with all the recent proposals to enhance the environment around Stonehenge is that they are all road based. At present, and for the foreseeable future, the only way to get to Stonehenge is by road. Very little of this is encouraged by public transport. Tourist coaches may reduce the amounts of cars coming in but raises doubt as to whether all using these would otherwise seek out Stonehenge if it was not on the itinerary. The more intrepid tourist arrives in Salisbury by train and then visits the stones by the Wilts & Dorset bus service from the station. This is the only true public transport link and as some of these services also serve Amesbury and Shrewton they are important locally. This shows how tourist revenue can help support rural transport when developed together. The question we must now ask assets is why depend on road transport for the future and what could be the alternative.

In 1902 a branch railway line opened from a junction with the main Salisbury to London line near Newton Tony to Amesbury and Bulford. During the First World War a military Railway was built from Amesbury station to Larkhill and other camps in that part of Salisbury Plain. The military railway was wound down in stages during the 1920 s until final closure in 1928. The branch line to Bulford continued to be extensively used but following the end of the second world war the passenger service was withdrawn due to intense bus competition in 1952. However, the line continued for freight until 1963.

Although the course of these old railway lines have been interfered with by some recent development they are largely still clear. Reopening as a full rail link is out of the question due to the high cost but there is potential with light rail. This means a service using modern trams. With their light axle widths and ability to go round sharp curves the cost of rebuilding the line is greatly reduced. Obstacles can be circumvented by stretches of road and street running which also means they can better serve the community by accepting parts a conventional railway cannot. Stations can serve Newton Tony, Amesbury, Bulford, Durrington, Larkhill and Stonehenge. Furthermore new stations can be sited on the main line into Salisbury at Idmiston, Porton, Gomeldon, the Winterbournes and Bishopdown. In Salisbury, by reversing in the railway station and using the remains of the old market railway, this service terminate in the central car park at the back of Tesco's giving an important boost to the city centre.

At a time of growing concern over the level of traffic congestion this could provide an extremely useful link for community from the north of the city. In Europe Light rail is proven to be the most efficient way to get people out of their cars and onto public transport. It would make Salisbury a far more attractive city. It would enable Salisbury to develop as a tourist city as most trips to Stonehenge are currently from London via the A303. The link would encourage more people to come to Salisbury by public transport. The use of some vintage trams in summer would make the line an attraction in its own right.

The economics are viable since a sometime failing of public transport due to the high cost of providing for commuter peaks does not apply here. The demand for journeys to and from Stonehenge virtually all year round would provide a high level of usage throughout the day balancing commuting, school and shopping trips. Funding from the private sector would come from a consortium such as existing local transport operators, Railtrack, the construction industry, banking institutions and pension funds. Public sector funding would come from the local authorities and central government.

Rural and inter urban light rail systems are common in Europe particularly in Austria, Germany and Switzerland with old systems being modernised and new ones built. In Britain, trams have already returned to the streets of Manchester, Sheffield and Croydon with considerable success. Closer to home a proposed link between Fareham and Portsmouth is gathering momentum. What better way to celebrate the new millennium than with a new way of looking at transport problems and their solution.

Colin Hall

for Salisbury Friends of the Earth and Salisbury Transport 2000.