Manifesto for rail freight growth launched
1 min read
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) and the Rail Freight Operators Association have launched a manifesto – directed at the political parties who may form a government after next year's general election – for rail freight growth.
The manifesto explains how, with the right political support, rail freight could improve UK competitiveness, and reduce carbon emissions.
The manifesto calls on the political parties to:
- Protect the current structure of the railway to give confidence to private sector investors,
- Support the Strategic Freight Network and create capacity and capability for rail freight growth
- Encourage an ever more efficient rail industry which is open for business 24/7
- Provide an efficient planning framework for rail freight terminals
- Sustain the current environmental benefit schemes
- Ensure all modes of freight transport contribute to the external costs they cause, and
- Say No to Longer and Heavier Lorries
RFG Chairman Tony Berkeley said: "Rail freight has demonstrated its success by a 60% growth in business since privatisation, encouraged by governments. However, in this economic climate where rail freight is the only part of the railway not controlled by government, it is essential that all parties commit to give the political support necessary for rail freight to grow."
