The Government has announced a target to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050.
That figure was informed by research from the Great British Railways Transition Team. But RAIL understands the target would have been 95%, until the surprise decision to cancel the northern leg of HS2. Phase 2a to Crewe was seen as critical to providing the necessary additional capacity to enable more freight on the existing network.
“This ambitious plan demonstrates this Government’s confidence in the rail freight sector,” said Transport Secretary Mark Harper.
But critics pointed out the target represents 2.2% a year, which would be below long-term economic growth forecasts, and therefore indicates no increase in rail’s modal share.
The Department for Transport said the target had been set “following a detailed consultation with industry leaders, customers and stakeholders”, and “will encourage further private sector investment in projects that will grow and modernise the industry”.
The statement did not detail how this would be achieved, instead calling it “a top-level ambition aimed to provide confidence to the rail freight sector”.
GBRTT pointed out that although HS2 was being reduced in scope, approval has been given for the £550 million Ely Area Enhancement Scheme, enabling an extra six freight trains a day to and from Felixstowe.
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