Representative body Logistics UK has highlighted concerns over freight governance within the nationalisation framework for Britain’s railways. The industry advocates have been following proceedings in the Transport Select Committee, which has communicated concerns to the Transport Minister, Lord Peter Hendy.
There is a lack of clarity over the position of rail freight in the set up of Great British Railways, the name assigned to the new overarching management of the infrastructure and most passenger services. Although freight is slated to remain in the private sector, there are questions over how that will be made to work with a publicly owned railway.
Freight safeguards sought
The latest official analysis from the Office of Rail and Road showed a rise in freight volumes of six per cent, as reported earlier by RailFreight.com. The UK government has mandated a long term modal shift (growth of 75 per cent in the sector by 2050). However, despite responding that, there is concern that the new nationalised framework does not provide clarity for the future of rail freight.
According to a report in the latest edition of the membership magazine, Logistics UK says the Transport Select Committee wrote to Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy earlier this month. The committee questioned differences in GBR’s licensing between the draft Rail Reform Bill and consultation proposals. They are seeking clarity on whether statutory duties on freight, accessibility, the environment and social and economic benefits will be included or how they will otherwise be promoted.
Committee enquiry urged
The House of Commons, the lower house of the British parliament, uses a committee system to handle many aspects of government business. The Transport Select Committee is a cross-party body nominated to scrutinise the Department for Transport. The DfT will ultimately be in control of GBR. Like other parliamentary committees, it has a formal remit to investigate matters of public concern. The committee is currently handling four enquiries, including one relating to disabled access to the passenger railway. Logistics UK may like to see a fifth one tabled.
“The Transport Select Committee’s focus on ensuring the Rail Reform Bill includes clear statutory duties that safeguard and promote rail freight’s essential role in the UK economy is welcomed,” said Ellis Shelton, Senior Policy Advisor for Logistics UK. “Clarity on freight protections within Great British Railways’ (GBR) licensing framework is vital to providing long-term confidence for investment, growth and modal shift.”
Action from both sides of the House
Transport Committee Chair Ruth Cadbury pledged scrutiny of upcoming legislation, while Shadow Transport Secretary Gareth Bacon urged clear protections for freight and open access operators in the Bill. “The increase in rail freight volumes demonstrates the sector’s resilience and its ability to deliver economic and environmental benefits,” say Logistics UK.
“With freight delays at their lowest in three years, it is clear that rail freight is a high-performing and reliable partner for industry and logistics. To maintain this momentum, the forthcoming long-term rail strategy must fully integrate freight growth ambitions, ensuring that the sector has the capacity, fair access and investment required to support UK supply chains and decarbonisation targets.” Logistics UK was the co-host and organiser of the recent “Demystifying Rail Freight” workshop held in London to promote the sector to potential new customers.