🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
Network Rail launches initiative to help new rail freight flows
Network Rail has launched its Access Charges Discount Policy, with the policy being open to both passenger and freight operators.
From a freight perspective, discounts (on track access charges) could help facilitate new traffic flows, where the risk of running a new service at a loss - before sufficient business has been acquired to make it financially sustainable - is considered to be too great.
With the modal shift to rail, these new traffic flows - which would not have been possible without a discount - will contribute to the UK meeting its net zero carbon goal and hitting rail freight growth targets.
Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Advisor, Ellis Shelton said: "The rail industry is crucial to the nation's logistics network, and it's vital that the logistics sector works together to promote rail freight adoption among new businesses, invest in modern facilities and leverage data technology.
"National Rail's initiative will encourage the development of new services and re-energise under-utilised lines, helping to stimulate growth .
"Increasing the scale of the UK's rail freight sector is a stated policy goal of the UK government and it is essential that, to achieve this, the government supports a sustainable and efficient future for freight by investing in the sector's infrastructure. The recently declared long-term rail freight growth target of 75% by 2050, as well as the CP7 rail freight growth targets of 7.5% for England and Wales and 8.7% for the Scottish Government, are indicative of this."
To reach these goals, it is clear that new rail freight services must be introduced.
Network Rail's innovative Access Charges Discount Policy marks a significant milestone in the evolution of the UK's rail network, showcasing a commitment to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Mitigating the financial risk associated with establishing new routes, these discounts will provide a critical boost to the sector, encourage innovation and enable the exploration of new business opportunities.
To qualify for the discount policy, the flow needs to be new to rail traffic and evidence will be required to highlight that without this financial incentive, the new traffic will not materialise.
For full details see Network Rail Policy Document.
Published On: 29/08/2024 12:41:18
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News In Brief
Bournemouth Airport secures new freighter service from China
A new freighter service has been confirmed linking Bournemouth Airport with China, from Urumqi Diwopu International Airport in northwest China. It will operate four round trips per week with a flight time of ten hours. The deal marks a significant enhancement in Bournemouth Airport’s global connectivity and its role in the UK’s logistics and e-commerce sectors.
Urumqi has specific strategic importance, being situated in the Xinjiang region of China. The Urumqi Diwopu International Airport now operates freight routes to eight countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, and Hungary.
Alexandra Herdman, Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager said: “The addition of Bournemouth to Diwopu International Airport underscores the growing importance of the UK as a vital link in global supply chains, particularly in the rapidly expanding e-commerce market.
“Logistics UK represents all modes of logistics, with members from road, rail, water and air. This new route highlights the way logistics and trade are interlinked, and exemplifies why Logistics UK has called on the new government to form a cross-Whitehall Logistics Productivity Forum, led by a dedicated minister for logistics and supply chain, with cross-departmental responsibilities
For Bournemouth Airport, this new route represents a significant expansion of its international cargo operations. Managed by the Regional and City Airports (RCA) group, Bournemouth has, in recent years, positioned itself as a viable alternative to the more congested London airports.
This strategic positioning has allowed Bournemouth to emerge as a significant import hub for the UK’s e-commerce market, one of the largest in the world.
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