Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail manager, reflects on the DfT’s new rail freight strategy and what it means for the sector.
The DfT rail freight strategy, published in September, is most welcome as it provides a clear vision for rail freight. DfT has a key role in setting the overall strategic framework in providing guidance to the regulator and Network Rail.
The strategy highlights that rail freight is worth £1.6bn per year to the UK economy and that each year. A quarter of consumer goods imports into the UK are transported by rail, and customers would use rail freight services more if there was additional capacity.
Rail freight has a proven track record in adaptability and innovation.
