UK sets target to boost rail freight by 75% by 2050

22 Dec '23

2 min read

Pic: Adobe Stock

Insights

UK transport secretary Mark Harper has set a target to increase rail freight by 75 per cent by 2050, aiming to reduce road congestion and emissions.
Rail freight transport, which is less polluting than road, could replace many HGVs.
The plan aligns with the country's decarbonisation goals and encourages private investment in rail infrastructure.

The UK's transport secretary, Mark Harper, has announced a groundbreaking target to increase rail freight transport by at least 75 per cent by 2050. This ambitious initiative aims to provide the sector with a clear growth trajectory, while also offering substantial environmental benefits by reducing road congestion and emissions.

The move is set to significantly impact environmental sustainability, as rail freight is notably more efficient and less polluting than road transport. A single train has the capacity to replace up to 129 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and a tonne of freight transported by rail produces approximately a quarter of the carbon emissions compared to road transport, the UK government said in a press release.

This announcement fulfils commitments made earlier in the year by the transport secretary in his George Bradshaw address and aligns with the objectives outlined in the Department for Transport’s Plan for Rail and Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

The target is expected to catalyse private sector investment in the rail industry, as seen in projects like GB rail freight’s new maintenance facility in Peterborough, inaugurated in September by the transport secretary. These developments are crucial for modernising and expanding the industry.

Integral to this plan is the government's strategy to enhance the capacity of the UK’s rail freight network. This includes redirecting billions of pounds from the HS2 project to improve rail infrastructure and services nationwide. One notable project under this initiative is the Ely Area Capacity Enhancement scheme, part of the Network North plan. This project, backed by around £550 million of government funding, will enable an additional six freight trains per day to and from the Port of Felixstowe, effectively removing 98,000 lorry journeys from the roads annually.

The Rail Freight Growth Target was established following a comprehensive call for evidence involving industry leaders, customers, and other stakeholders, conducted by the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT). Looking ahead, GBRTT’s recently established Strategic Freight Unit will lead strategic initiatives in the freight sector, aiming to unlock further growth potential in this vital industry.

“Rail freight helps keep this country moving, ensuring our supermarket shelves are stocked. Not only is it the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting many goods, but it helps grow the economy across the country,” said transport secretary, Mark Harper.

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