HS2

10.05.17

RFG: Put rail freight at heart of post-Brexit trade links

Rail freight should be put at the heart of post-Brexit trade links, a statement sent by the Rail Freight Group (RFG) has today stated.

The group has published a list of five key freight priorities for the next government to consider in order to build and support the sector.

RFG also stated that the new government should look to invest in freight infrastructure and technology to enable growth, unlock capacity and create more efficient freight routes. Creating a stable environment for freight to enable private sector investment was also highlighted as a key aim for politicians.

Finally, RFG called on the new government to restore and promote rail freight grants to support new services and to also drive the development of modern ‘fit-for-purpose’ terminals.

“Rail freight is a key part of UK’s freight and logistics. We move a quarter of all containerised imports from the nation’s port to consumers, deliver 40% of the construction aggregates used in London and the south east’s building boom, and underpin key industrial sectors such as steel,” the RFG said.

“Despite changing markets, rail freight continues to grow services and is working to become more efficient and high performing despite the constraints of an ever more crowded rail network.

“For government, rail freight is delivering economic and environmental outputs valued at around £1.6bn per year, including through road decongestion, reduced emissions and productivity gains for business.

“Government action is key to providing a framework which allows rail freight to prosper, and allow the private sector operators and customers to invest for the future.”

Have you got a story to tell? Would you like to become an RTM columnist? If so, click here 

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

rail technology magazine tv

more videos >

latest rail news

HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

11/09/2020HS2 Ltd: Five tech firms join Innovation Accelerator initiative

HS2 Ltd have announced today (11 Sept) the first five revolutionary tech firms that will join HS2 Ltd’s Innovation Accelerator programme. ... more >
Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

11/09/2020Network Rail publish Decarbonisation Plan

Network Rail have released their interim Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy, illustrating its preliminary recommendations for decarbonisin... more >
Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

11/09/2020Trains kept moving by AWC despite damaged overhead wires

Avanti West Coast have taken an unlikely option to allow their timetable to run, without delays, despite damaged overhead wires. The operato... more >

last word

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

Encouraging youngsters to be safe on the railway

This summer, Arriva Group's CrossCountry and the Scout Association joined to launch a new partnership to promote rail safety among young people. Chris Leech MBE, business community manager at the... more > more last word articles >

'the sleepers' daily blog

On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

29/06/2020On the right track, Sulzer is awarded RISAS accreditation for Nottingham Service Centre

Following an independent audit, Sulzer’s Nottingham Service Centre has been accepted as part of the rail industry supplier approval scheme (RISAS). The accreditation reinforces the high-quality standards that are maintained by Sulzer’s network of independent repair facilities across the UK and further afield in its global network. ... more >
read more blog posts from 'the sleeper' >

comment

The challenge of completing Crossrail

05/07/2019The challenge of completing Crossrail

With a new plan now in place to deliver Crossrail, Hedley Ayres, National Audit Office manager, major projects and programmes, takes a look at ho... more >
Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

04/07/2019Preparing the industry to deliver trains for the future

The move to decarbonise the rail network involves shifting to cleaner modes of traction by 2050. David Clarke, technical director at the Railway ... more >
Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

02/07/2019Sunshine future beckons for South Wales Railways, says 10:10 Climate Action’s Leo Murray

Smart electrification is the way to boost clean energy resources, argues Leo Murray, director at 10:10 Climate Action. Contractors are clear... more >
Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

02/07/2019Ambition doesn’t have to be expensive, says Midland Connect's Maria Machancoses

The TCR Midlands conference is only days away and tickets are going fast for the sector event of the year at the Vox Conference Centre in Birming... more >

rail industry focus

View all News

interviews

Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

24/06/2019Andrew Haines, CE of Network Rail, tells BBC News his organisation could issue future rail franchises

Andrew Haines, the Chief Executive of Network Rail, has told the Today programme on Radio 4's BBC’s flagship news programme that he wo... more >