More London traffic jams if GLA ignores rail-freight interests

11 July 2001

Terminal and network capacity must be protected & promoted, says pressure group

More lorries on London and South East roads are inevitable if the GLA and the Mayor don't protect and promote rail-freight, according to Freight on Rail, a partnership between rail-freight operators, the Rail Freight Group, the rail unions and Transport 2000. The group is urging the GLA to safeguard rail-freight interests in London, in its transport strategy. Freight on Rail wants the GLA and the Mayor to act to protect:-

• Crucial access by rail-freight operators onto the West and North London lines
   
  
• Space for a proper rail/road-freight terminal within the new proposed development at Cricklewood at the M1 and North Circular Road junction
   

Both the North and West London lines form part of a vital freight artery across the country, as there are no alternative freight routes avoiding London, so that rail-freight access must be maintained to protect existing traffic and allow for necessary growth. Proposed metro services on these lines represent a threat to rail-freight.

In the same way, Cricklewood, the remaining available brown field rail-accessible site in North London, is vital for the future of rail-freight in the UK. Currently, the planning application's provision for rail-freight is minimal and does not reflect the strategic importance of Cricklewood as a rail-freight terminal in London.

Freight on Rail is a campaign working to get goods off roads and onto rail as an important step in developing a more sustainable distribution system. Rail-Freight offers a viable alternative to congested and polluted roads in our capital.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail campaign co-ordinator, said, " It is vital that Rail-Freight is able to prosper in our capital if congestion, which costs business around £20 billion a year1, is to be controlled. Rail-Freight must have its rightful place at Cricklewood and the security of London freight paths have to be protected, or alternatives found, if the Government target growth for rail-freight of 80% over the next ten years is to be realised. We support the strategy view that that there is a need for four additional intermodal freight handling facilities. That is why Cricklewood is so key, as the available sites are so limited in the London area."

Philippa Edmunds added, "Everybody wants to see more freight go by rail. Now the Mayor and members of the GLA have a chance to act. Remember that one average length freight train can remove up to 60 HGVs from our roads. Freight on Rail supports the long-term aim of building by-pass routes for non-London rail-freight traffic and will work together with the industry to realise this aim. In the interim, however these vital freight routes must be safeguarded."
 

Notes to editors:

Freight on Rail is a partnership between transport trades unions,
freight operating companies, the Rail Freight Group and Transport
2000. It works to promote the economic, social and environmental benefits of rail freight both nationally and locally. It advocates policy changes that support the shift to rail and provides information and help on freight related issues. In particular, it aims to help local authorities through all stages of the process such as planning a rail-freight strategy, accessing grants and dealing with technical matters.
 

For further information contact:-
Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail campaigner 020 8241 9982 email: philippa@freightonrail.org.uk
 

1. Freight Transport Association, estimate, January 2000
2. Transport Statistics Great Britain, 2000 Edition, DETR, 2000