Rail freight should be put at the heart of post-Brexit trade links, a statement sent by the Rail Freight Group (RFG) stated last week. RFG has published a list of five key freight priorities for the next government to consider. in order to build and support the sector.
The Group also stated that the new government should invest in freight infrastructure and technology to enable growth, unlock capacity and create more efficient freight routes. Creating a stable environment for freight to enable private sector investment was highlighted.
Finally, they called on the new government to restore and promote rail freight grants. “Rail freight is a key part of UK’s freight and logistics. We move a quarter of all containerised imports from the nation’s port to consumers.
“Despite changing markets, rail freight continues to grow services and is working to become more efficient and high performing despite the constraints of an ever more crowded rail network.
“For government, rail freight is delivering economic and environmental outputs valued at around £1.6bn per year, including through road decongestion, reduced emissions and productivity gains for business. Government action is key to providing a framework which allows rail freight to prosper, and allow the private sector operators and customers to invest for the future.”
