Network Rail’s new Access Charges Discount Policy will help level the playing field for rail freight, says Logistics UK

Responding to the publication of Network Rail’s new Access Charges Discount Policy, Ellis Shelton Senior Policy Advisor at business group Logistics UK, says:

“Logistics UK has campaigned for some time for the government to help rail freight compete with the road network on a level playing field, so our members will welcome Network Rail's new Access Charges Discount Policy.

“Offering freight operators discounts on track access charges paves the way for the development of new services and the revitalisation of under-utilised lines, ensuring that the rail freight sector remains at the forefront of the nation's freight strategy.

“More can be done, however, to meet GBR’s long-term plan of growing rail freight by 75% by 2050, and Logistics UK will continue pressing government to give our sector the confidence to make the necessary long-term investments in assets and infrastructure, by ensuring freight access contracts are defaulted to ten years when successfully renewed.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, Brexit, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, sea and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please get in touch – here.