Rail Partners responds to ORR's latest freight rail usage and performance data

‘It is disappointing that these statistics show rail freight volumes down on the same quarter last year. At a time when green growth is more important than ever, a supportive policy and charging framework is critical. This in turn will encourage modal shift from road to rail, which contributes to our net zero ambitions.

‘Each freight train removes up to 129 lorries from our roads, improving air quality and reducing congestion. The Government must set an ambitious freight growth target which seeks to treble rail freight by 2050 in order to capture the benefits of rail freight for Britain’s economy and environment. Independent analysis commissioned by Rail Partners has shown that this could deliver at least £5.2bn in economic benefits per year.’