07.06.07
Rail minister announces £44m to transport freight by rail
Rail Minister Tom Harris has announced the award of £44m in new rail freight grants at the Rail Freight 2007 conference.
The grants, for carrying freight by rail which would otherwise be carried on the roads, mean the equivalent of more than 2.1m lorry journeys and 631m lorry kilometres will be removed from Britain's roads over the next three years.
Speaking at Rail Freight 2007, Transport Minister Tom Harris said:
"I am pleased to announce today that we have awarded £44 million in funding over the next three years for the movement of freight on rail through the Rail Environmental Benefit Procurement Scheme (REPS).
"Our aim is to secure a major shift of goods from road onto rail. This will make a significant contribution towards reducing road congestion, accidents and carbon emissions.
"We will continue to provide financial support to rail freight where it is affordable and where it offers the greatest benefits when assessed alongside support for other modes. There is funding available and I would like to encourage the industry to get involved and make best use of it."
The next bid round for REPS closes on the 15th June, further information on the REPS scheme can be found at http://www.dft.gov.uk
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]