RFG welcomes Transport Committee report

By on Feb 15, 2010

The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has welcomed the publication of a new report by the House of Commons Transport Committee that sets out key priorities for the UK rail network

"Priorities for Investment in the UK railway" has identified the Manchester Hub (the radial routes around the city) and electrifying the Midland Main Line as top priorities, both of which will deliver benefits for freight services

The committee has recognised the strong case for ongoing investment in the Strategic Freight Network, and has also recommended that investment for freight should at the very least be maintained at current levels in the mid-term future

RFG chairman Tony Berkeley commented that while the RFG welcomes the current projects underway, there is more needed, such as the capacity upgrade between Felixstowe and Nuneaton, the Joint Line upgrade and more

The committee said that electrification of the wider network and effort to address capacity problems across the North "should form the government's investment priorities for the railways over the coming decade"

The Committee added that there were tough decisions needed in regard to prioritising the network and giving a clear priority to capacity constraints