đź•’ Article read time: 2 minutes
Member Alert: Join Logistics UK's call on the government to support the Lower Thames Crossing project
Logistics UK is writing to the Department of Transport with regard to the impending decision on whether to go ahead with Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) as this project reaches a crucial stage in the planning process.
In a letter to Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, we are detailing just how beneficial the Lower Thames Crossing project can be for alleviating congestion in the Dartford Crossing area and beyond.
The Dartford Crossing is one of the most congested roads in the country. Its unreliability creates significant costs for our economy, estimated at £200 million per year due to goods stuck in traffic and decreased productivity.
The Lower Thames Crossing promises to have a hugely positive effect on the area, whilst offering a transformative £40 billion boost to the UK economy.
A commitment to the development of this vital national infrastructure would not only expedite these economic benefits but also enable the government to explore private financing options. This approach could deliver the advantages of the new crossing without adversely impacting the government’s balance sheet.
If consented, the LTC will become one of the UK’s largest construction projects. Within months, there could be spades in the ground and workers being upskilled, with the new road potentially operational by 2030/32.
Published On: 15/08/2024 14:00:00
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News In Brief
GB Railfreight adds four new electric shunters as part of net zero drive
The new locomotives will be based across GBRf’s sites and will be used to support supply chain operations (SCO) services for Network Rail, enhancing the company's decarbonisation strategy.
The Class 18s are one of a number of initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the UK’s supply chains.
Other initiatives include GBRf ordering 30 brand new hybrid Class 99 locomotives that will enter service in 2025; moving all sites to use energy sourced only from renewable source; an electric vehicle incentivisation scheme for staff; and switching its van fleet to electric vehicles at the end of the current leasing agreement.
David Golding, Asset Director at GB Railfreight, said: “The Class 18 hybrid+ shunt locomotives are another exciting step forward for GB Railfreight in modernising and decarbonising our business.
"By utilising them on SCO services, we’re making sure our partnership delivers a greener, more sustainable railway that works better for everyone.”
Ellis Shelton, Logistics UK's Senior Policy Advisor said: "Improving the UK’s transport infrastructure planning and delivery, across modes, is key to enabling goods to be moved in the most productive, strategic and green way.
“Our members are committed to making the transition to zero emission rail freight operations and it’s very encouraging to see GBRf incorporating more electric locomotives into its fleet as the industry strives to moves towards net zero.”
"GBRf's move towards incorporating electric locomotives underpins the crucial role of the rail industry in the nation's logistics."
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