Logistics UK responds to ORR proposal of lower charges for freight trains between St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel

Monday 30 September 2024

In response to today’s (30 September 2024) announcement of proposed lower charges for freight movements between London St Pancras and the Channel Tunnel by the ORR, Ellis Shelton, Senior Policy Advisor at Logistics UK, said:

“Today’s proposal of lower charges for freight trains travelling from London St Pancras to the Channel Tunnel by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), as a result of the Draft Determination of HS1 Ltd’s spending plans, is encouraging news for those businesses moving goods to and from the continent. The use of rail freight on the HS1 route is a vital element of the UK’s trade connectivity with Europe and a key factor in encouraging trade between the continent and the UK. Rail freight has a vital role to play in driving growth in the UK economy and this reduction in costs should encourage more businesses to take advantage of the cross-Channel service’s efficiency to maximise trading relationships with partners in continental Europe.”

The ORR announcement can be read here: https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/pr24-hs1-draft-determination-press-release

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s leading 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, Brexit, 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, sea 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.