Freight on Rail welcomes Government funding for enhanced rail freight network

31st October 2007

Freight on Rail warmly welcomes the Department for Transport’s announcement of more than £132 million towards four key rail freight projects this week which will enable key inland rail freight routes from major ports to be expanded.

Rail freight is crucial for ports as it helps relieve congestion by getting freight out of the ports swiftly and efficiently, reduces the need for storage and reduces lorry traffic around the ports and on the main freight routes across the country.

Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Campaigner said, “This investment in the rail freight network means that more goods can be carried in a sustainable way and road congestion reduced– a win/win for society and the economy.”

She continued, “It also illustrates the power of partnership in developing the railways with funding contributions coming from the industry, central and regional government.”

Ends

 
For more details contact Philippa Edmunds at Freight on Rail on 020 8241 9982 or by email at philippa@freightonrail.org.uk

Notes to editors

• Freight trains emit five times less carbon dioxide per tonne mile than road haulage.
• An average freight train can remove 50 heavy goods vehicles from our roads.
• Fifty per cent of all rail freight is port based.

Freight on Rail is a partnership between ASLEF, TSSA, RMT, UNITE - AMICUS, EWS, Freightliner, the Rail Freight Group and Campaign for Better Transport

The Freight on Rail website is www.freightonrail.org.uk