Why do we need a VLR test centre in Dudley?

31October 2021

Hi Tim

Thanks for send your recent Email which I have read and checked and is in my opinion correct.

There is a mention of Trams using the Camphill lines, this will never happen as there is not enough paths to allow this. There’s too many freight & passenger trains booked along that route and  running a Tram along it would serve no purpose.

As you can see in the picture I have included, a VLR vehicle has been constructed by a company at Long Marston rail base, is to be tested on the former freight line from Madely junction to Ironbridge.

Millions of pounds has been invested building a VLR test centre and track through the Dudley tunnel to Harts Hill to test these types of vehicles.

The VLR building at Dudley is built on the former Freightliner depot site, however it’s built across the former main line track bed of the Stourbridge to Walsall Heavy rail route. 

This means that it is not possible now to ever reopen this route to Heavy rail through Dudley from Stourbridge to Walsall, it is gone for good.

If this VLR test centre in Dudley is so fit for purpose why is this new vehicle not being tested there?

This proves that this centre was built purposely to prevent Heavy rail trains ever returning to Dudley.

I’ve said before that VLR technology is already proven, it’s not rocket science & there are other locations in this country and  Europe where these vehicles are built and tested.

I give this VLR test centre in Dudley 20 years, or less before it becomes redundant.

Millions of pounds have already been pumped into this unwanted Metro, that has not made any profit from day one.

I do not believe from the people I have spoke to about it in this area that it will bring any benefits, unless you live close to its tracks.

Already rails have worn out in Birmingham and have had to be replaced. I really cannot understand why A Street and West Midlands travel authority have not been held to account over this, it’s been swept under the carpet as usual.

Is this transport the best for the people in the Black Country? I and others don’t think so.

Regards.

Dave.