Conservatives’ use of ‘f’ word a start, says FTA

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) welcomed the Conservatives’ commitment to rail freight, but questioned the lack of detailed policy.

Responding to the Getting the best for passengers document, FTA said that, while there were clear commitments to passenger services, freight appears to be an after-thought.

Chris MacRae, FTA’s rail freight policy manager, said: “Yet again, freight services appear to be the poor relation. While there is a general consensus among the political parties to shift more freight from road to rail, we have seen precious little commitment to make this happen. Mentioning the ‘f’ word in a policy document is a start, but we need to see more substance.”

Despite the document holding no fewer than eight clear policy commitments, the Conservatives’ view of rail freight appears, at this stage, to be largely aspirational. The requirement on Network Rail to support growth in freight traffic is welcome, but the logistics industry will be looking for more from an incoming Conservative government.