Transport Decarbonisation Plan

We will introduce a rail growth freight target

We are committed to introducing a rail freight growth target for all areas of the network DfT oversees, to encourage the continued growth of rail freight.

Great British Railways will also have a statutory duty to promote rail freight.

We are investing in the rail network for freight, building on the £235 million of investments made in Control Period 5 (2014-2019), supporting the development of an expanded network of Strategic Rail Freight Interchanges, and continuing to fund grants that support the modal shift of freight to rail.

We will work closely with industry partners to develop the target.

The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) held a call for evidence on a rail freight growth target.

In December 2022 GBRTT published a Market Development Plan no actions and activities to grow rail freight.

Legislative proposals for GBR included a proposal for a rail freight growth target to be a statutory duty of GBR. RIA understands that Government aims to respond to the consultation which was held on the legislation shortly.

Measures to help boost the freight sector are moving forward as of 5 April 2023, as a new Governmentindustry forum is launched to help the sector decarbonise and ensure its long-term sustainability.

Freight transport in Great Britain suffered a sharp decline in the last quarter of 2022. That’s according to the latest data released by the Office for Rail and Road (ORR).

We will incentivise the early take up of low carbon traction rail freight

We will develop further interventions, in partnership with industry, to help freight operating companies have the confidence they need to invest in replacing current rolling stock.

As we develop potential policy interventions, we will ensure rail freight maintains its competitiveness with road freight, and that interventions represent value for money for the taxpayer.

The first winners of the Freight Innovation Fund (FIF), backed by £7 million overall, have been announced on 11 April 2023 and could help create cleaner, more innovative ways of delivering freight around the country.

Rail Partners represent both independent passenger and freight operating companies and have released a new report which provides steps that the Government can take in order to increase growth both now and in the future.

Evidence government is not working enough with industry.