Transport for London (TfL) has set out its plans to shift more freight onto rail it estimates that up to 176 million truck miles can be removed from the roads each year. The body responsible for London's transport system says the use of rail should be encouraged because it has less environmental impact than road transport.
TfL says its plans comply with the priorities set by London mayor Ken Livingstone by reducing
carbon emissions, reducing road accidents and cutting congestion. It estimates annual savings could reach £126m a year. The main sectors offering potential for rail freight are listed as retail, waste, construction and international with the most dramatic growth over the next decade expected to be servicing the deep-sea ports.
TfL also says a road pricing scheme would level the playing field between various modes of freight transport and assumes there will be a 10% increase in demand for rail freight as road haulage becomes more expensive and less competitive. But it adds: "The effect on the attractiveness of rail is not yet clear, as reduced road congestion could act to encourage freight to be transported by road."
The TfL strategy includes:
TfL's London Rail MD, Ian Brown, describes the rail-freight sector as "competitive and dynamic" but adds: "There are still significant challenges to face. Some parts of the rail freight industry have not shared in the general success - for example Channel Tunnel - and opportunities for modal switching are being missed because of a lack of suitable infrastructure and facilities." The strategy document can be seen here.
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