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Delivering the goods Mags Simpson
2022: what is in store for rail freight? Mags Simpson, Head of Policy Engagement at Logistics UK, provides an overview of some of the key moments in 2021 and looks ahead to what the industry needs to thrive in 2022
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021 was a positive year for the rail freight industry – from Tesco crediting the transport mode for keeping food on its shelves to further government investment into the electrification of the network – it has never been more appreciated for the role that it plays in supporting our supply chains. Throughout the past twelve months, the industry has proven once again that it is resilient and adaptable in the face of crisis, supporting the UK through various supply chain challenges, including the HGV driver shortage, which, in September 2021, saw 96 per cent of UK logistics businesses report problems recruiting these crucial workers. Great British Railways In spring 2021, the government realised its plans to transform the nation’s railways. Within the Great British Railways: Williams-Shapps plan for rail whitepaper, was the proposal to bring the network under single national leadership with the creation of a new public body: Great British Railways (GBR). This is the biggest change to the UK’s railways in 25 years, and one supported by Logistics UK, which has long since believed that rail freight has been disadvantaged by complex systems of decision making involving multiple rail bodies. It is expected that the new body, GBR – which will have a statutory duty to promote rail freight to secure economic, environmental, and social benefits for the nation – will ensure freight operators have fair access to the network and will ‘help embed freight firmly into strategic decision making, by incorporating freight into the new 30-year strategy.’ Throughout 2022 and beyond, Logistics UK is looking forward to working with the new GBR and the Department for Transport on the implementation of reform process and awaits with interest the Whole
Rail Professional
