UK Government sets ambitious target to grow rail freight by at least 75%

Even more goods will be transported across the UK by rail, following an ambitious target announced by Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, to grow rail freight by at least 75%. 

From delivering food to supermarkets, to transporting building materials to construction sites, rail freight is a vital part of everyday life in the UK, carrying tens of billions of pounds worth of vital goods.  

Today’s announcement demonstrates this Government’s drive to grow the rail freight industry even further and boost the considerable economic growth it delivers across the country, by supporting supply chains and thousands of high-skilled jobs.

Not only does this target provide the sector with certainty by setting a clear pace for growth by 2050, but it will also lead to significant environmental benefits by taking lorries off our roads – slashing emissions and congestion in the process. For example, just one train can replace up to 129 HGVs, and a tonne of freight moved by rail produces about a quarter of the carbon emissions it does by road. 

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

“Rail freight helps keeps this country moving, ensuring our supermarket shelves are stocked and materials are supplied to our construction workers.  

“Not only is it the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting many goods, but it helps grow the economy across the country.

“This ambitious plan demonstrates this Government’s confidence in the rail freight sector, and I hope it encourages businesses to capitalise on the extra opportunities, so the industry continues to thrive and deliver for our country.” 

Today’s announcement delivers on a commitment made by the Transport Secretary in his George Bradshaw address earlier this year, along with fulfilling a commitment in the Department’s Plan for Rail and Transport Decarbonisation Plan.

The target will encourage further private sector investment in projects that will grow and modernise the industry, such as GB Railfreight’s new state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Peterborough, which was officially opened by the Transport Secretary in September this year.