Freight on Rail welcomes Transport Committee support for rail freight investment

15th February 2010

Freight on Rail endorses today’s publication of the Transport Select Committee recommendation to maintain investment in rail freight in the medium-term as a means of securing a low carbon economy with green jobs (1).

The Government has already committed £220m between 2009 and 2014 to commence the development of the Strategic Rail Freight Network (2). And the Transport Select Committee is recommending carrying on this investment from 2014.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Manager said, “Rail freight offers a realistic solution to worsening road congestion, fluctuating energy prices and accelerating climate change. Ongoing Government support for a reliable versatile rail freight network is crucial, both to secure industry investment and to realise the full benefits of the rail enhancements being carried out now.”


For further information
Philippa Edmunds
mobile 07981 881410
web site www.freightonrail.org.uk
 

Notes to editors

(1) Link to Transport Select Inquiry report ‘Priorities for investment in the railways’.

(2) The Department for Transport’s Strategic Rail Freight Network, is designed to provide a reliable robust strategic network with diversionary routes which will connect national major freight routes including links to the ports. Link to the Strategic Rail Freight Network plan