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PRESS RELEASE 15 February 2010
RFG welcomes Transport Committee report
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has today welcomed the publication of a new report by the House of Commons Transport Committee that sets out key priorities for the UK rail network.
Priorities for Investment in the UK railway has identified the Manchester Hub (the radial routes around the city) and electrifying the Midland Main Line as top priorities, both of which will deliver benefits for freight services.
In particular, the RFG is delighted that the committee has recognised the strong case for ongoing investment in the Strategic Freight Network.
The committee has also recommended that investment for freight should at the very least be maintained at current levels in the mid-term future.
RFG chairman Tony Berkeley said: “We have welcomed the current projects underway now but there is more needed - the capacity upgrade between Felixstowe and Nuneaton, the Joint Line upgrade and more.
“We urge government to include the Committee’s recommendations in its future plans.”
Launching the report, chairman Louise Ellman MP said: “It’s paramount we do not deprive future generations of a lasting legacy of good transport services. Investments made now or in the near future should reflect long term needs of the economy and society.”
The committee said that electrification of the wider network and effort to address capacity problems across the North “should form the government’s investment priorities for the railways over the coming decade”.
The Committee added that there were “tough decisions” needed in regard to prioritizing the network and giving a clear priority to capacity constraints.
[ENDS]
Notes to editor
Transcripts of evidence sessions for the Committee’s inquiries can be found on the Committee website at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtran.htm
For further information on the RFG please contact James Falkner, communications manager for the RFG, on 07950 535 886 or james@rfg.org.uk
About the Rail Freight Group (RFG)
The RFG has been the UK’s leading rail freight campaign group since its formation in 1991. It has more than 150 member companies, ranging from Maersk, the world's largest container shipping line, to high street retailer, Marks & Spencer.
Our members include customers, logistics providers, suppliers, terminal operators, ports and freight train operating companies.
RFG's aim is to promote cost effective rail solutions for freight, with a vision to see the sector attract a steadily increasing market share year on year.
RFG works hard in the interests of its members; to represent their views and provide a wide range of advice and information.
RFG is a company limited by guarantee and all revenue is ploughed back into providing services to members.
It was originally formed in 1991 to represent the views of those involved with the rail freight industry that were not British Rail.
The RFG seeks to achieve its objectives by organising meetings and visits, by responding to consultation papers and by lobbying government, European Institutions, the Office of Rail Regulation and Network Rail.
One of its major successes was the inclusion in the 1993 Railways Act of a duty on the government and Rail Regulator (now Office of Rail Regulation) to promote rail freight.
RFG also looks to involve the media in positive comment and news where possible, and publishes a newsletter, circulated to nearly 2,000 opinion-formers, generally every two months.
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