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Wednesday 28 Aug 2024

Boost for rail freight as Network Rail cuts prices for new traffic flows

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National

Train operators have been offered the opportunity to gain discounts on their track access charges by Network Rail in a bid to encourage new business to the railway, particularly freight.

The relevant charges would be waived in full for six months whilst new traffic is being established.

A single freight train can take up to 76 lorries off the nation’s roads, and rail freight itself saves over 1m tonnes of carbon every year, with every train taking the country closer towards Net Zero. It’s not a surprise then that ambitious targets have been set by leaders in Westminster and Holyrood to boost the sector.

While Network Rail’s offer is open to all train operators and types of service that meet the qualifying criteria, the driver behind it was the company’s commitment to support the growth of rail freight. The offer is worth around £1,000 per train circulation (out and back) depending on the length and loading of the trains.

Rail Minister Lord Hendy said: “The rail freight sector plays a crucial role in keeping the country moving, providing a faster, greener and more efficient way of transporting goods. The Government’s policy is to promote and grow the use of freight services across the country and make moving goods by rail the obvious choice for businesses, and this initiative will do just that."

Network Rail’s director for planning and regulation, Paul McMahon, said: “Rail freight is so important not just because it’s environmentally friendly but because it underpins so much of our economy in a sustainable way. But it’s not just words and cutting that carbon that will bring more freight to the tracks and off the roads -  haulage is very price-sensitive and by bringing this discount in, we are doing our bit to help our freight customers.”

Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General, Rail Freight Group, said: "Many businesses are looking to move more freight by rail, but it can be a big step to start new services. This new scheme provides welcome support for the first six months of operation, helping customers and operators to open up new routes."

More than 600 freight trains run in Britain every day, supporting the construction industry, car manufacturing, food, supermarkets, timber and more. For more information on how you can move your products to rail, click here.