Britain’s national railway network: fit for purpose in the 21st century?

The case for developing railway networks rests on a mix of economic, social and environmental factors. A crucial factor is the relationship between the network and developing patterns of urban form and policy intentions with regard to securing modal shift from road to rail as part of the search for greater environmental sustainability. This article explores these relationships in contemporary Britain in the context of the recent attempt to privatise the railway network. It concludes that although there are serious shortcomings in the current situation, there is a case for further development of the network, but that this is now a matter for public sector leadership.