London, UK: Rail Freight Group has welcomed the government announcement of significant investment in support of the rail freight sector. As part of a £9.4bn rail funding package, Transport Secretary Justine Greening has announced a further £200m for the development of the Strategic Rail Freight Network, which will enable key schemes to be developed, including the upgrade of the major container routes from the deep sea ports.
Rail freight is also set to benefit from the development of an Electric Spine, from Southampton to Birmingham, East Midlands and South Yorkshire, which offers medium-term prospects for electrically hauled freight, says RFG.
The development of this route will also improve capacity and gauge. Specific projects at Ely, Peterborough and Leicester are also committed, delivering additional capacity for rail freight.
The announcement is in addition to the £30m committed by the Scottish Government for the development of rail freight schemes in Scotland.
Maggie Simpson, RFG policy manager, said: “We are delighted that government has demonstrated its commitment to the rail freight sector, with the benefits it brings to the environment, road congestion and the economy. This package of investment will support future growth and enable freight operators and customers to develop ever more efficient and innovative services.”
