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The Strategic Rail Freight Network is central to the low carbon economy needed by UK12th May 2009 Freight on Rail welcomes the Government's ongoing commitment to the Strategic Rail Freight Network which means that rail freight will be an integral part of the low carbon economy, urgently needed by this country. Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Campaigner said " The Strategic (Rail) Freight Network (SFN) puts rail freight at the core of the low carbon vision for our economy, needed if the UK is to meet its climate change targets. We urge the Government to extend its support for the SFN beyond 2014 so that a robust versatile network, with diversionary routes, can be fully developed. Investing in the rail network not only safeguards the environment, but also stimulates the economy during the recession". She added that " While road and rail modes complement each other, trunk movements of large quantities of freight can be more sustainably and more safely carried by rail than in even larger lorries so we welcome the commitment to longer and heavier trains rather than mega trucks1." DfT confirmation 12th May £200m for Strategic Freight Network (SRN) for period 2009-2014 Rail freight produces around four times less carbon dioxide emissions per tonne carried2. An aggregates train can remove 120 HGVs from our roads3 Rail is a safe means of freight distribution. HGVs are over three times more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than cars4
2. DfT Logistics Perspective Dec 08 Rail produces around 0.05 kg of CO2 3. Network Rail 2008 4. DfT Transport Statistics Traffic Speeds Figure 3.5C for 2007 issued
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