Logistics UK responds to Rail Freight Group’s new manifesto

Rail Freight Group (RFG) has launched a new manifesto aimed at highlighting the rail industry’s pivotal role in transporting essential goods throughout the country.

Titled ‘Delivered by Rail Freight’, the manifesto and campaign has received cross-industry support including from Logistics UK and the country’s three largest freight operators, GB Railfreight, DB Cargo and Freightliner.

The RFG outlined wide-ranging pledges in the manifesto, including to encourage and enable new businesses to utilise rail freight to move their goods, investment across the industry in state-of-the-art facilities and harnessing data technology.

The manifesto calls on the incoming government to show ambition to grow rail freight, including by committing to fund 60 miles of missing electrification on the network which could help electrify over two million freight trains annually.

In addition, it calls for the delivery of the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement,including five trains per hour on the West Coast Mainline by 2035, and for a reduction in track charges of 20% in real terms by end of the decade.

Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton, said: “The Rail Freight Group's new manifesto, 'Delivered by Rail Freight,' underscores the crucial role of the rail industry in the nation's logistics.

“It is vital that the logistics sector works together to promote rail freight adoption among new businesses, invest in modern facilities and leverage data technology, demonstrate a forward-thinking approach.

"It is also essential that the government supports a sustainable and efficient future for freight by investing in rail infrastructure.”

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of RFG, said: "Rail freight benefits everyone, whether it's turning on the lights, shopping, or enjoying a glass of wine. Expanding rail freight across the nation will facilitate the transition of essential goods to rail, bolstering both the economy and the environment.”

Published On: 20/06/2024 14:00:00

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