The UK representative body, the Rail Freight Group (RFG) , has raised the issue of freight in the UK government announcements for developments in the North of England. The UK Government has proposed a programme of development, tantamount to a rebirth of the Northern Powerhouse Rail project (NPR), to connect cities across the North of England. The concerns of the RFG are already echoing through the industry. There was no appreciable mention of freight in the statements made to parliament on Wednesday (14 January).
The RFG welcomes the Northern Powerhouse Rail commitment, announced today by the UK Government. However, the body calls for freight to be an essential part of the project. RFG has welcomed the Government’s announcement on Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), describing it as a significant opportunity to strengthen rail connectivity across the North and Midlands, provided rail freight capacity and capability are embedded in the plans from the outset.
Build rail freight into plans
A long-awaited revival of rail development in the North of England has been announced (see RailTech.com for in-depth reporting). Although freight is not expected to run on new high-speed lines, released capacity across the existing network, along with the already committed Transpennine Route Upgrade, will provide a transformative opportunity for businesses across the region, says the RFG. The Government has announced £1.1bn (about €1.3bn) over the so-called Spending Review period. The cash will essentially be used to progress planning, development and design work for NPR. It will not result in so much as a single sleeper being laid.
For any of the proposals to be realised, a wider “funding envelope” of up to £45bn (about €52bn) across the programme. The plans aim to improve passenger rail journeys between major northern city regions, including Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield and York, with improved services to Newcastle and Hull. “It is great to see this significant commitment to developing the railways across the North and Midlands,” said Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group. “It is essential that the plans support the growth of rail freight, supporting new industries, infrastructure and consumers across the region.”
Other projects need safeguarding
Maggie Simpson did, however, express concerns over existing works, particularly the huge improvement works underway between Manchester and York.“NPR must, however, not delay the successful completion of the Transpennine Route Upgrade, which will provide transformative capacity and gauge capability for rail freight,” she said.
RFG said that improving rail connectivity across the North is not only a passenger priority, but also a critical enabler for goods movement, industrial investment and decarbonisation. Rail freight already plays a vital role in moving construction materials, consumer goods, containers, and bulk commodities across the region, while supporting growth in emerging sectors including low-carbon energy, renewables, advanced manufacturing and new fuels. With demand for rail freight expected to grow in response to net zero policies and the expansion of new infrastructure and industrial sites, RFG said rail freight must be at the heart of the rail network in the North and Midlands.
“Rail Freight Group will continue to engage with Government, Network Rail and Great British Railways to ensure the NPR and TRU programmes deliver a railway that supports national growth, reduces congestion on the road network, and contributes to lower-carbon logistics across the North and Midlands,” said a formal RFG statement.