The Rail Freight Group has welcomed publication of the Department for Transport’s long-term vision for the strategic freight network saying it demonstrates the department’s long term commitment to rail freight and to developing a fit for purpose network.
Chairman Tony Berkeley said: “The RFG has battled, long and hard for the Government to recognise the unique contribution that rail freight makes to a sustainable economy. With the publication of the DfT’s thirty-year vision for the Strategic Freight Network I am pleased to say that our message seems to have been taken on board and real effort and investment (£220m) is being directed towards rail freight.
The group particularly welcomed the departments recognition of the importance of reducing passenger – freight train conflicts through optimisation of freight pathing and development of freight trunk routes, as well as identifying and protecting key freight paths on the strategic freight network in the timetabling process to ensure freight capacity is available for use.
