Active study for the Direct Link North began in 1984 with the object of relieving the problems that would follow if the impending Channel Tunnel were to remain linked only to the South East corner of Britain. The study was extended progressively as problems generated by incomplete solutions became apparent. Only when national transport needs as a whole were addressed did a satisfactory solution emerge.

The broadest national need is to bring the growth of road traffic under control. When this is achieved it will become possible to make road improvements without releasing floods of new traffic. Along with this is the need to overcome the economic isolation of the Regions, which has driven too large a share of the population into the South East where they remain trapped. The causes of this isolation include poor Regional access to Heathrow and to the all important short Channel crossing as well as to internal markets.

The existing railway system is incapable either of bringing relief to the roads or of easing the isolation of the Regions. Only a new purpose-built rail system, capable of carrying separated high speed passenger and fast freight traffic, can achieve this. It will need to serve all the traditional industrial areas and have links to the principal seaports and airports. London must be included along with access to the Channel Tunnel and Europe.

The full Direct Link North proposal provides such a rail system with its alignment determined in the field to ensure it will be acceptable and affordable. Three studies are currently available, a general overview, ‘Transport in Britain and the Direct Link North’, the more specific ‘Transport in London and the South East and the Direct Link North’, and “A Study of Airport Access and the Role of Rail in an Integrated Transport System for Britain”.