RFG welcomes commitment to rail freight but warns of risks

Rail Freight Group concerned about possible threat to freight services from ‘all-powerful’ Great British Railways

THE Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the government consultation on ‘A railway fit for Britain’s future’ but warned that the significant legal changes being planned could pose a threat to rail freight services.

The Government’s plans include scrapping the current legal framework for awarding rail capacity to freight operators, moving power to Great British Railways (GBR) – the planned state-owned railway company that is to oversee passenger rail transport in Great Britain – along with potential new powers for mayoral authorities.

The proposals will also weaken the role of the Office of Rail and Road in determining rail access, although it will retain an appeal role. In its place, the Government has committed to setting a target for increasing rail freight growth and statutory duty on GBR to promote freight.

Although the new commitments are welcome, the rail freight industry is concerned that without a strong legal framework it will be too easy for freight trains to be deprioritized to meet GBR or mayoral ambitions.

RFG director general Maggie Simpson OBE said: ‘Rail freight is essential to meeting government’s missions, from building new homes, supporting economic growth, and delivering green energy. It is therefore essential that any new laws give certainty of access to enable businesses to invest and to grow.’

She added: ‘These are profound changes to railway legislation, and it is essential that the resulting framework is effective in protecting the right of freight to run on the network and to meet its customers’ needs. We look forward to working with government to ensure that this outcome is delivered through the legislative process.’