Apparently 75% of the general public is opposed to the introduction of ‘road trains. That’s what the “Freight on Rail Group claims, citing an NOP poll. I am sure that the poll correct, but what was the question? This is important as the Freight on Rail. What is the Freight On Rail Group? It is hardly independent. The group itself says it is a partnership of the rail freight operators, Rail Freight Group, Network Rail, the transport trade unions and Transport 2000 working to promote the shift to rail freight. Did questioners fairly explain the advantages and disadvantages of both rail and road? Did they fairly describe the size of the proposed vehicles and the fact that they would be on limited roads? I rather doubt it.
The fact is that larger vehicles would reduce the total number of trucks on the road. That is good for the environment and improves the efficiency of the industry.
It is a great pity that the rail lobby has taken such an aggressive stance. It is good news that rail freight is increasing and the service is much improved. But it is limited in what it does by the need for freight terminals. You average Tesco is never going to be supplied by rail. But there are many haulage companies, such as Eddie Stobart, that are moving to rail. It is more sensible to encourage both rail and longer trucks.
If you want to read the facts, do read Professor Alan McKinnon’s excellent research paper for the Commission for Integrated Transport, published last week.