Government sets ambitious rail freight growth target 

This follows 2022’s call for evidence by the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT), and Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper committing to a target earlier last year. 

“This [target] demonstrates our confidence in the sector and our support for its continued growth and development, enabling it to deliver even more benefits for our country,” said Mr Harper. 

“Rail freight is a vital part of our transport system – transporting goods we rely on. From food to our supermarkets, to building materials for construction and to removing waste – it is vital to everyday life in our country. 

“While carrying tens of billions of pounds worth of the goods we need, rail freight delivers major economic and environmental benefits,” he continued. “Ninety per cent of those benefits are realised outside London and the South East. So rail freight is crucial to achieving the Prime Minister’s priority of growing the economy and creating opportunity right across the country.”  

The DfT policy paper asserts that the new 75% target would “create new opportunities for growth and investment, and give confidence to the sector’s customers and investors – enabling this successful private sector market to further unleash its full potential.” 

It also establishes that meeting the target is not the responsibility of one party, but the whole rail industry.  

“The announcement on the rail freight growth target is welcome news,” said Ellis Shelton, Policy Advisor at Logistics UK. “However, the target itself is not enough to increase freight by rail.  

“Measures including infrastructure upgrades and retention of modal shift grants are also vital to ensure the target is attainable. The Department for Transport must not take the foot off the pedal now the target has been set”. 

*www.logistics.org.uk/campaigns     

Published On: 04/01/2024 14:00:00

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