GBP15 billion more of UK goods could be transported by rail annually

Another £15 billion worth of goods could be transported by train per year if new government targets are met, the UK's Department for Transport has said.

The UK government unveiled a new aim on Tuesday of increasing rail freight by at least 40% by 2040, which it said would put the industry on track for 75% growth by 2050.

This will be overseen by Great British Railways – a new publicly-owned body which will bring responsibility for tracks and trains under a single organisation for the first time since privatisation in the mid-1990s.

Currently, goods worth almost £34 billion to the UK economy are transported by rail freight.

One freight train can carry enough materials to build around 30 homes, while Network Rail estimates the new target could increase the transportation of construction materials by 45% and boost the movement of products such as cars, wine, white goods and medicine by around two-thirds, the DfT said.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Great British Railways will have a clear mission to help grow our economy by moving more of the goods British businesses rely on.

"Our new target gives the rail freight industry the certainty it needs to invest, helping businesses move more products, deliver the materials needed to build new homes and infrastructure, and support jobs across the country."

Moving products by rail eases pressure on the road network and produces significantly less carbon than by road.

Network Rail Chief Executive Jeremy Westlake said: "Rail freight is a vital part of our transport network and the UK economy, moving millions of tonnes of goods every day – putting food on our supermarket shelves, delivering the materials that build our homes and critical infrastructure, and much more besides.

"Increasing the role of freight on the railway is not just good for economic growth; it reduces congestion on our roads, cuts carbon emissions, and supports our ambition to build a cleaner, more resilient transport system."

Maggie Simpson, director general at Rail Freight Group, said: "There are huge opportunities for moving more goods by rail and the sector stands ready to fulfil Government's bold targets for growth, making an even stronger contribution to the nation's productivity, development and resilience."

A dedicated member of the GBR board will have responsibility for freight and ensure the needs of operators and businesses.

By Rosie Shead, Press Association Transport Correspondent

Press Association: News

source: PA

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