Even more vital goods will be transported across the UK by rail, following an ambitious target announced by Transport Secretary Mark Harper to grow rail freight by at least 75%.
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From delivering food to supermarkets, to transporting building materials to construction sites, rail freight is a vital part of everyday life in the UK, carrying tens of billions of pounds worth of vital goods.
Today’s announcement demonstrates this government’s drive to grow the rail freight industry even further and boost the considerable economic growth it delivers across the country by supporting supply chains and thousands of high-skilled jobs.
Not only does this target provide the sector with certainty by setting a clear pace for growth by 2050, but it will also lead to significant environmental benefits by taking lorries off our roads slashing emissions and congestion in the process. For example, just one train can replace up to 129 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and a tonne of freight moved by rail produces about a quarter of the carbon emissions it does by road.
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, said: "Rail freight helps keep this country moving, ensuring our supermarket shelves are stocked and materials are supplied to our construction workers.
"Not only is it the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting many goods, but it helps grow the economy across the country.
This ambitious plan demonstrates this government’s confidence in the rail freight sector and I hope it encourages businesses to capitalise on the extra opportunities so the industry continues to thrive and deliver for our country."
The Rail Freight Growth Target also forms a key part of the government’s continual drive to improve the long-term capacity of the rail freight network, with billions of pounds of redirected funding from HS2 now further supporting schemes to improve rail infrastructure and services in all parts of the country.
Director General of the Rail Freight Group, Maggie Simpson, said: "We are delighted that government has recognised the economic and environmental benefits of growing rail freight.
"This target sends a strong message about the benefits and potential of rail freight which will encourage investment by industry and private businesses and attract more customers to move their goods by rail". ■