Technical Design Strategy, HR and Community Engagement

The request was partially successful.

Dear High Speed Two (HS2) Limited,

I wish to request structural impact, traffic impact, noise impact assessment and detailed track alignment for planned High Speed Two corridor between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly in conjunction with Northern Powerhouse Rail. I also wish to request contingency criterion and committee minutes should HS2 or NPR will not reach Piccadilly SRF or Manchester Airport.

How many incidents has the company experienced relating to its own staff workforce? Does the HS2 Minister regularly engage with communities including individuals and how? What is the organisation's Engagement Strategy and will HS2 Ltd resume face to face engagement at events post COVID-19 outbreak concerning both phases of HS2 including technical design?

My problem with HS2 is the possibly very costly maintenance and downtime of outdated infrastructure inc. OHLE and loading gauge, utilising route and branch instead of single running line hence poor futureproofing, does not connect more regions, does not cater to different services inc. international and non passenger services ie Camden Rail Link, does not plan for much higher speed commercial operations ie Mach 1. I wish to ask you how can we continually improve HS2 infrastructure if itself is difficult to upgrade, expand and evolve into something more versatile?

Will the UK Government subscribe to future technical criterion as prescribed in the European Union's Technical Specification for Interoperability and European Rail Traffic Management System, as well as potential innovative solutions set out in the Rail Needs Assessment being conducted by the UK Parliament BEIS Committee in order to ensure compatible and versatile direct transit of freight, vehicle and passenger services including the Camden Rail Link for point of entry and point to point transit post-Brexit?

Yours faithfully,

Jeffrey Wong

Dear High Speed Two (HS2) Limited,

I also wish to ask what is your aftermarket engagement and overall strategy once each phase of High Speed Two has completed construction, testing and enters operational service?

Yours faithfully,

Jeffrey Wong

Dear High Speed Two (HS2) Limited,

https://www.constructionenquirer.com/202...
In light of a recent article, I wish to ask is HS2 Ltd receiving money directly from the UK Government Department for Transport in order to fund new developments surrounding the station with no local planning process?

Yours faithfully, J Wong

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

Dear Jeffrey Wong

Thank you for your requests for information, received 16 and 17 July 2020,
copies of which I include below. These requests have been combined in line
with Information Commissioner's Office Guidance.

We are considering your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
and aim to reply as soon as possible and no later than 14 August

Your reference number for the request is FOI-20-3733.

Kind regards

Alistair

Alistair Hobbs | Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser | HS2 Ltd      

Tel: 08081 434 434 (Freephone number)| [1][email address]|
[2]Facebook | [3]Twitter | [4]LinkedIn

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited , Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway,
Birmingham, B4 6GA  | [5]www.gov.uk/hs2

 

show quoted sections

Dear HS2Enquiries,

Thank you for your acknowledgement. I also wish to receive map showing operating speed and track diameter, loading gauge as well as height on OHLE and tunnels

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Wong

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

Dear Jeffrey Wong

Thank you for your additional request (below) received 24 July 2020.

This request has been combined with the previous request in line with
Information Commissioner's Office Guidance.

We are considering your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
and aim to reply as soon as possible and no later than 21 August.

Your new reference number for the request is FOI-20-3741.

Kind regards

Alistair

Alistair Hobbs | Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser | HS2 Ltd      

Tel: 08081 434 434 (Freephone number)| [1][email address]|
[2]Facebook | [3]Twitter | [4]LinkedIn

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited , Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway,
Birmingham, B4 6GA  | [5]www.gov.uk/hs2

 

show quoted sections

Dear HS2Enquiries,

Further to my FOIA request, I wish to ask HS2 Ltd what is your contingency measure and rail replacement timetable for intercity rail travel for should you require extended engineering works and upgrades ie route realignment for higher speed operation for part or whole of the HS2 route?

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Wong

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited





Thank you for your email to the HS2 Helpdesk.

Please note that following UK Government advice for COVID-19, the HS2 Ltd
Helpdesk is working remotely. Over this period it may take us a little
longer to respond to acknowledge and respond to your email. We appreciate
your patience during this difficult time.

Under normal circumstances we aim to respond to enquiries quickly and
efficiently, with an acknowledgement being issued within 2 working days of
being received, and a full response being issued within 20 working days
(when we are unable to answer your query straight away).

 

If your enquiry is urgent and requires immediate attention please contact
the 24 hour HS2 Helpdesk directly on our freephone number 08081 434 434.

 

In the interim if you would like more information on the work of HS2,
and you have access to the internet, please head online to
[1]www.hs2.org.uk

     

For information about what is happening in relation to HS2 in your area
you may also like to browse the following link
[2]www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/whats-happening-near-you  Via this link you
can also sign up to receive regular updates on HS2 works local to you.

 

Again, thank you for your email and we look forward to assisting you as
soon as we can.

This email is scanned and cleared by Websense. HS2 Ltd is registered in
England and Wales. Registration Number 06791686, Registered office High
Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham, B4
6GA, England. The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and
may also be subject to legal privilege. It is intended only for the
recipient(s) named above. If you are not named above as a recipient, you
must not read, copy, disclose, forward or otherwise use the information
contained in this email. If you have received this e-mail in error, please
notify the sender (whose contact details are within the original email)
immediately by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments
without retaining any copies.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.hs2.org.uk/
2. http://www.hs2.org.uk/in-your-area/whats...

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

Dear Jeffrey Wong

Thank you for your additional request (below) received 30 July 2020.

This request has been combined with the previous request in line with
Information Commissioner's Office Guidance. Please note the extra burden
in processing additional requests and please consult the Information
Commissioners guidance referred to at the end of this email if you wish to
make any further requests.

We are considering your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
and aim to reply as soon as possible and no later than 27 August.

Your new reference number for the request is FOI-20-3754.

FOI-20-3754 – Clarification of request 

I refer to your requests received by HS2 Ltd on 16, 17, 23, and 30 July
2020 in which you sought access to information under the Freedom of
Information (FOI) Act 2000 (‘the Act’).

REQUEST 

Thu Jul 16

I wish to request structural impact, traffic impact, noise impact
assessment and detailed track alignment for planned High Speed Two
corridor between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly in conjunction with
Northern Powerhouse Rail. I also wish to request contingency criterion and
committee minutes should HS2 or NPR will not reach Piccadilly SRF or
Manchester Airport.

How many incidents has the company experienced relating to its own staff
workforce? Does the HS2 Minister regularly engage with communities
including individuals and how? What is the organisation's Engagement
Strategy and will HS2 Ltd resume face to face engagement at events post
COVID-19 outbreak concerning both phases of HS2 including technical
design?
My problem with HS2 is the possibly very costly maintenance and downtime
of outdated infrastructure inc. OHLE and loading gauge, utilising route
and branch instead of single running line hence poor futureproofing, does
not connect more regions, does not cater to different services inc.
international and non passenger services ie Camden Rail Link, does not
plan for much higher speed commercial operations ie Mach 1. I wish to ask
you how can we continually improve HS2 infrastructure if itself is
difficult to upgrade, expand and evolve into something more versatile?

Will the UK Government subscribe to future technical criterion as
prescribed in the European Union's Technical Specification for
Interoperability and European Rail Traffic Management System, as well as
potential innovative solutions set out in the Rail Needs Assessment being
conducted by the UK Parliament BEIS Committee in order to ensure
compatible and versatile direct transit of freight, vehicle and passenger
services including the Camden Rail Link for point of entry and point to
point transit post-Brexit?

Thu Jul 16

I also wish to ask what is your aftermarket engagement and overall
strategy once each phase of High Speed Two has completed construction,
testing and enters operational service?

Fri Jul 17

[1]https://www.constructionenquirer.com/202...
In light of a recent article, I wish to ask is HS2 Ltd receiving money
directly from the UK Government Department for Transport in order to fund
new developments surrounding the station with no local planning process?

Thu Jul 23

Thank you for your acknowledgement. I also wish to receive map showing
operating speed and track diameter, loading gauge  as well as height on
OHLE and tunnels

Thu 30 Jul

Further to my FOIA request, I wish to ask HS2 Ltd what is your contingency
measure and rail replacement timetable for intercity rail travel for
should you require extended engineering works and upgrades ie route
realignment for higher speed operation for part or whole of the HS2 route?

CLARIFICATION REQUIRED 

I am writing to ask you to clarify your request. This is because we need
further details from you in order to identify and locate the information.

On 17 July you asked about our aftermarket engagement and overall strategy
once each phase of High Speed Two has completed construction, testing and
enters operational service; unfortunately, the phrase aftermarket
engagement is not one HS2 Ltd utilises, and therefore we would ask that
you clarify what it is you mean when you ask about it, and what
information you consequently require. 

And in respect of overall strategy once each phase of High Speed Two has
completed construction, testing and enters operational service; what
overall strategy are you referring to? is this, for example, in relation
to HS2 Ltd’s User engagement? Community engagement? Contractor
engagement? Or is there some other strategy you are interested in?

To enable us to proceed with your request I would be grateful if you could
provide the clarification outlined above within 40 working days of this
correspondence. After receiving your reply, your request will be
considered and you will receive a response within the statutory timescale
of 20 working days, as defined by the Act, subject to the application of
any statutory exemptions. If you choose not to respond, then your request
will be closed after 40 working days.   

Your response 

I would appreciate it if you would respond to the issues raised above
within 40 days of the date of this correspondence, otherwise I will assume
that you do not wish to clarify your request and no further action will be
taken by HS2 Ltd.  

Please also note that for some of the requests you have made HS2 Ltd would
not hold the information. Whilst we will formally respond to your requests
once full clarification has been received, in order to try and help you
receive information you require, I can say that that in respect of 

Does the HS2 Minister regularly engage with communities including
individuals and how?

that yes, the Minister does so engage, but the Department for Transport
would be the public body that holds any further details.

And that when you ask

Will the UK Government subscribe to future technical criterion as
prescribed in the European Union's Technical Specification for
Interoperability and European Rail Traffic Management System, as well as
potential innovative solutions set out in the Rail Needs Assessment being
conducted by the UK Parliament BEIS Committee in order to ensure
compatible and versatile direct transit of freight, vehicle and passenger
services including the Camden Rail Link for point of entry and point to
point transit post-Brexit?

that this is a request that needs to be directed to the Government, and
not HS2 Ltd, as this is a request for information about UK rail policy.
You may therefore wish to contact  at Department for Transport
[2]https://forms.dft.gov.uk/foi-dft-and-dft... in respect of these
parts of your requests.

I also note that you have recently made a number of requests across the
company. Please do note the Information Commissioner’s Office guidance for
making requests
([3]https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/off...) which may
be useful to you.

Kind regards

Alistair

Alistair Hobbs | Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser | HS2 Ltd      

Tel: 08081 434 434 (Freephone number)| [4][email address]|
[5]Facebook | [6]Twitter | [7]LinkedIn

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited , Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway,
Birmingham, B4 6GA  | [8]www.gov.uk/hs2

 

 

 

------------------- Original Message

show quoted sections

Dear HS2Enquiries,

As you will recognise the range of questions which I have raised through online webinars, feedback surveys, email correspondence, FOI requests and engagement events that I hold strong reservations concerning the HS2 route including procurement, route alignment, service accessibility and versatility particularly in major urban areas where route alignment poses complex spatial difficulties, and I deeply regret despite engagement events previously held across the country that I was unable to share my input in time.

As a project delivery organisation responsible for national infrastructure, could you define the phrase whole life approach? Do you have a continual engagement with passengers and users in which awarded train operators and customers themselves are able to raise grievances regarding lineside infrastructure, futureproofing and all aspects of management and service operations to whom other than the High Speed Two minister, or will you cease to operate as a company after completion of all phases of High Speed Two?

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Wong

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

Dear Jeffrey Wong

FOI-20-3757 

Thank you for your email of 11 August. 

We wrote to you on 05 August to inform you that we had combined your
previous requests into the one request and asked you to clarify parts of
that request.  I note that you have not provided the requested
clarification and that you have sent in a number of additional questions. 

Therefore, I must inform you that this request has been combined with the
previous request in-line with Information Commissioner's Office Guidance. 

Your new reference number for the request is FOI-20-3757.   

Combined Request  

Thu Jul 16 

I wish to request structural impact, traffic impact, noise impact
assessment and detailed track alignment for planned High Speed Two
corridor between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly in conjunction with
Northern Powerhouse Rail. I also wish to request contingency criterion and
committee minutes should HS2 or NPR will not reach Piccadilly SRF or
Manchester Airport.  

How many incidents has the company experienced relating to its own staff
workforce? Does the HS2 Minister regularly engage with communities
including individuals and how? What is the organisation's Engagement
Strategy and will HS2 Ltd resume face to face engagement at events post
COVID-19 outbreak concerning both phases of HS2 including technical
design? 

My problem with HS2 is the possibly very costly maintenance and downtime
of outdated infrastructure inc. OHLE and loading gauge, utilising route
and branch instead of single running line hence poor futureproofing, does
not connect more regions, does not cater to different services inc.
international and non passenger services ie Camden Rail Link, does not
plan for much higher speed commercial operations ie Mach 1. I wish to ask
you how can we continually improve HS2 infrastructure if itself is
difficult to upgrade, expand and evolve into something more versatile?  

Will the UK Government subscribe to future technical criterion as
prescribed in the European Union's Technical Specification for
Interoperability and European Rail Traffic Management System, as well as
potential innovative solutions set out in the Rail Needs Assessment being
conducted by the UK Parliament BEIS Committee in order to ensure
compatible and versatile direct transit of freight, vehicle and passenger
services including the Camden Rail Link for point of entry and point to
point transit post-Brexit? 

Thu Jul 16 

I also wish to ask what is your aftermarket engagement and overall
strategy once each phase of High Speed Two has completed construction,
testing and enters operational service? 

Fri Jul 17 

[1]https://www.constructionenquirer.com/202...
In light of a recent article, I wish to ask is HS2 Ltd receiving money
directly from the UK Government Department for Transport in order to fund
new developments surrounding the station with no local planning process? 

Thu Jul 23 

Thank you for your acknowledgement. I also wish to receive map showing
operating speed and track diameter, loading gauge  as well as height on
OHLE and tunnels 

Thu 30 Jul 

Further to my FOIA request, I wish to ask HS2 Ltd what is your contingency
measure and rail replacement timetable for intercity rail travel for
should you require extended engineering works and upgrades ie route
realignment for higher speed operation for part or whole of the HS2
route? 

Tue 11 Aug 

As a project delivery organisation responsible for national
infrastructure, could you define the phrase whole life approach? Do you
have a continual engagement with passengers and users in which awarded
train operators and customers themselves are able to raise grievances
regarding lineside infrastructure, futureproofing and all aspects of
management and service operations to whom other than the High Speed Two
minister, or will you cease to operate as a company after completion of
all phases of High Speed Two? 

FOI-20-3757– Clarification of request  

Clarification Required 

I refer to your requests received by HS2 Ltd on 16, 17, 23, 30 July, and
11 August 2020 in which you sought access to information under the Freedom
of Information (FOI) Act 2000 (‘the Act’). 

I am writing to ask you to clarify your request. This is because we need
further details from you in order to identify and locate the
information.  

On 17 July you asked about our aftermarket engagement and overall strategy
once each phase of High Speed Two has completed construction, testing and
enters operational service; unfortunately, the phrase aftermarket
engagement is not one HS2 Ltd utilises, and therefore we would ask that
you clarify what it is you mean when you ask about it, and what
information you consequently require.   

And in respect of overall strategy once each phase of High Speed Two has
completed construction, testing and enters operational service; what
overall strategy are you referring to? is this, for example, in relation
to HS2 Ltd’s User engagement? Community engagement? Contractor
engagement? Or is there some other strategy you are interested in? 

After receiving your reply to the above clarifications, your request will
be considered and you will receive a response within the statutory
timescale of 20 working days, as defined by the Act, subject to the
application of any statutory exemptions. If you choose not to respond,
then your request will be closed. 

It is necessary for me to also inform you that once a public authority has
refused a request under 12(4)(c), and provided reasonable advice and
assistance, it does not need to take any further action unless it gets a
response back from the requester.   

However, if you decide to provide us with clarification your request will
be treated as a new request, and you will receive a response within the
statutory timescale of 20 working days, as defined by regulation, subject
to the application of any statutory exemptions.  

However, as part of our obligation to provide advice and assistance to
you, and rather than holding your response up any further, we have
endeavoured below to provide you with some of the information you have
requested. 

I trust this is helpful, but it does not affect our legal right to rely on
the regulations regarding cost/burden for the remainder of the request. 

In respect of parts of your requests of 16 July, you asked 

Does the HS2 Minister regularly engage with communities including
individuals and how? 

Will the UK Government subscribe to future technical criterion as
prescribed in the European Union's Technical Specification for
Interoperability and European Rail Traffic Management System, as well as
potential innovative solutions set out in the Rail Needs Assessment being
conducted by the UK Parliament BEIS Committee in order to ensure
compatible and versatile direct transit of freight, vehicle and passenger
services including the Camden Rail Link for point of entry and point to
point transit post-Brexit? 

I can inform you that the Minister does so engage, but the Department for
Transport would be the public body that holds any further details; and
that in respect of the request regarding the European Union's Technical
Specification, that this needs to be directed to the Government, and not
HS2 Ltd, as this is a request for information about UK rail policy.  

You may therefore wish to contact  the Department for Transport
[2]https://forms.dft.gov.uk/foi-dft-and-dft... in respect of these
parts of your requests. 

You also asked on 11 August 

As a project delivery organisation responsible for national
infrastructure, could you define the phrase whole life approach? Do you
have a continual engagement with passengers and users in which awarded
train operators and customers themselves are able to raise grievances
regarding lineside infrastructure, futureproofing and all aspects of
management and service operations to whom other than the High Speed Two
minister, or will you cease to operate as a company after completion of
all phases of High Speed Two? 

and I can inform you that High Speed Two (HS2) Limited is the company
responsible for developing and promoting the UK’s new high speed rail
network. You may wish to read the franchise agreement for the West Coast
Partnership which can be found at
[3]https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio...,
as the successful bidder for this franchise will provide consulting,
testing, mobilisation and shadow operator services in relation to the
mobilisation and commencement of high speed railway passenger services on
the HS2 Network, and this may provide the information you require. 

As mentioned in our previous response you have asked a large number of
questions spread over a number of requests. The Environmental Information
Regulations do have a built-in safeguard to protect public authorities
from having to deal with requests which are manifestly unreasonable
[Regulation 12(4)(b)].  

I would ask you to read note the Information Commissioner’s Office
guidance for making requests
([4]https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/off...) which may
be useful to you.  In particular please note the ‘Do’ and ‘Don’t’ table,
which specifically asks that you provide us with ample opportunity to
address previous requests before asking new ones.  It also recommends that
you do not “Disrupt a public authority by the sheer weight of requests or
the volume of information requested.”  

As previously mentioned, upon receipt of your clarification, you will
receive a response within the statutory timescale of 20 working days. 

Yours sincerely, 

Alistair  

Alistair Hobbs | Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser | HS2 Ltd 
      

Tel: 08081 434 434 (Freephone number)| [5][email address]|
[6]Facebook | [7]Twitter | [8]LinkedIn 

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited , Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway,
Birmingham, B4 6GA  | [9]www.gov.uk/hs2 

 

 

Your right to complain to HS2 Ltd and the Information Commissioner 

You have the right to complain to HS2 Ltd within 40 working days of the
date of this response about the way in which your request for information
was handled and/or about the decision not to disclose all or part of the
information requested.  

Your complaint will be acknowledged and you will be advised of a target
date by which to expect a response. Initially your complaint will be
re-considered by the official who dealt with your request for information.
If, after careful consideration, that official decides that his/her
decision was correct, your complaint will automatically be referred to a
senior independent official who will conduct a further review. You will be
advised of the outcome of your complaint and if a decision is taken to
disclose information originally withheld this will be done as soon as
possible.   

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have
the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a
decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:   

Information Commissioner’s Office  

Wycliffe House   

Water Lane  

Wilmslow  

Cheshire  

SK9 5AF

 

 

 

This email is scanned and cleared by Websense. HS2 Ltd is registered in
England and Wales. Registration Number 06791686, Registered office High
Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham, B4
6GA, England. The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and
may also be subject to legal privilege. It is intended only for the
recipient(s) named above. If you are not named above as a recipient, you
must not read, copy, disclose, forward or otherwise use the information
contained in this email. If you have received this e-mail in error, please
notify the sender (whose contact details are within the original email)
immediately by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments
without retaining any copies.

References

Visible links
1. https://www.constructionenquirer.com/202...
2. https://forms.dft.gov.uk/foi-dft-and-dft...
3. https://www.gov.uk/government/publicatio...
4. https://ico.org.uk/your-data-matters/off...
5. mailto:[email address]
6. http://www.facebook.com/HS2ltd
7. http://www.twitter.com/hs2ltd
8. http://www.linkedin.com/company/high-spe...
9. http://www.gov.uk/hs2

Dear HS2Enquiries,

I sincerely apologise if you misunderstood my line of questioning, and I have already provided the clarification you requested in regards to the phrase "aftermarket engagement"

Aftermarket referring to a product or service being provided by the same company or that of a different company in order to enhance or improve the product or service that has been delivered or procured. In this case, once the entirety of the High Speed Two route has been completed and is handed over to the train operator, what services High Speed Two Ltd will perform in order to enhance and improve ie safety, ease of use and versatility along this high speed route long after its completion?

Yours sincerely,

Jeffrey Wong

HS2Enquiries, High Speed Two (HS2) Limited

2 Attachments

Dear J Wong

Please see the attached in relation to your request for information.

Kind regards,

Alistair.

Alistair Hobbs | Briefings, Correspondence and FOI Adviser | HS2 Ltd      

Tel: 08081 434 434 (Freephone number)| [1][email address]|
[2]Facebook | [3]Twitter | [4]LinkedIn

High Speed Two (HS2) Limited , Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway,
Birmingham, B4 6GA  | [5]www.gov.uk/hs2

 

 

 

This email is scanned and cleared by Websense. HS2 Ltd is registered in
England and Wales. Registration Number 06791686, Registered office High
Speed Two (HS2) Limited, Two Snowhill, Snow Hill Queensway, Birmingham, B4
6GA, England. The information contained in this e-mail is confidential and
may also be subject to legal privilege. It is intended only for the
recipient(s) named above. If you are not named above as a recipient, you
must not read, copy, disclose, forward or otherwise use the information
contained in this email. If you have received this e-mail in error, please
notify the sender (whose contact details are within the original email)
immediately by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments
without retaining any copies.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[email address]
2. http://www.facebook.com/HS2ltd
3. http://www.twitter.com/hs2ltd
4. http://www.linkedin.com/company/high-spe...
5. http://www.gov.uk/hs2