“Passengers before profits” must not lead to “fares before freight”, says Logistics UK

Following the introduction of the Railways Bill to Parliament today (5 November), business group Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager Alexandra Herdman says rail reform must deliver for logistics as well as passengers:

“Logistics UK welcomes the introduction of the Railways Bill and the government's ambition for a more integrated railway system, but rail reform must deliver equally for freight services and passengers.

“Rail freight is critical for helping the UK meet its sustainable transport goals and rail reform presents a major opportunity to grow freight as part of an integrated logistics system. The establishment of Great British Railways (GBR) has the potential to achieve this, but its success will hinge on how effectively it enables freight to grow and fulfils its statutory duty to promote rail freight.

“The government’s desire to bring a longer-term strategic approach to planning is something Logistics UK has been calling for, but we also need to ensure there are adequate safeguards in place to prevent freight services being deprioritised with GBR in control of both infrastructure and passenger operations.

“Reducing the role for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) concerns our members and Logistics UK has called for the government to maintain a proactive, independent role for the regulator. An appeals-only model risks leaving freight operators dependent on retrospective dispute resolution and independent oversight from the outset is essential.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest 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, 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, water 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 visit logistics.org.uk