GB Railfreight has issued a cautionary message about the Government’s decision to set a target for rail freight growth.

Although the government can create the right incentives for growth to encourage more freight onto the railway, there must be a supportive legislative framework that allows policymakers to make full use of the measures available through rail reform.

Measures such as incentives to increase freight carried by rail, mechanisms for access charges, and support for key commodities. These all help to encourage new traffic, stimulate investment, and accelerate the move from road to rail transport.

This is particularly relevant for the commodities identified as growth opportunities within the target. Schemes such as Mode Shift Revenue Support already demonstrate how targeted incentives can encourage more sustainable freight movements and deliver wider economic and environmental benefits.

As Britain embarks on the next generation of infrastructure projects, following the Chancellor’s announcement about measures to speed up these projects, there is a great opportunity.

Rail freight has the advantage that it can move large volumes safely and sustainably while moving traffic away from already congested roads.

Regardless of whether it is the construction of new energy facilities, strengthening the electricity grid, major transport schemes, or supporting housing construction, all rely on the efficient movement of construction materials for their success.

Rail freight should be a major criterion when designing future public infrastructure projects, since rail-connected supply chains contribute to reduced costs, lower emissions and faster delivery.

They also provide a significant opportunity to increase rail freight, with rail being the ideal carrier for bulk products such as aggregates, cement, and steel.

In July, the first of GB Railfreight’s new Class 99 locomotives entered service, and in August, the company announced it had removed 21 lorry movements by transporting Rail Head Treatment equipment by rail instead of using road transport.

“A target of 40% growth by 2040, building towards 75% by 2050, sends a strong signal about the future of rail freight and the contribution our sector can make to the UK economy. The challenge now is delivery. If these targets are to mean anything, the Railways Bill, the Access and Use Policy and GBR’s licence must provide a clear framework for growth. Freight operators need certainty, capacity and fair access to the network if we are to turn Government’s ambition into more freight on rail and fewer lorries on our roads.”

John Smith OBE, Chief Executive Officer, GB Railfreight