In advance of the Shaw Review, Freight on Rail warns that the Government needs to ensure that rail freight, which is a network-wide industry, is not overlooked in any restructuring or devolution of Network Rail [1].
Rail freight has a key role in servicing the economy; it is worth £1.6 billion each year to UK PLC. Each year the rail freight industry carries goods worth over £30 billion ranging from high end whiskies and luxury cars to supermarket products and construction materials.
Philippa Edmunds, Freight on Rail Manager said,
“The vast majority of rail freight flows cross regional boundaries so any restructuring and devolution creates challenges for rail freight. A centralised operational structure, which controls nationwide access and timetabling and possession planning during engineering and enhancements work, must therefore be retained.”
[1] Interim Shaw review announcement expected. Shaw review is looking at how Network Rail should be structured and funded in future.
[2] Bowe Review announcement is also expected now or alongside Hendy Review later this month
