Transform Scotland and Rail Freight Group (RFG) have published a joint proposal for a ‘National Low-Carbon Freight Network’ in response to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the new National Planning Framework (NPF4). Joe O’Donnell, Rail Freight Group’s Head of Policy, said: “Granting our proposed National Low-Carbon Freight Network national development status is a real opportunity […]
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By launching dedicated services to transport critical supplies, running faster trains and increasing cargo capacity, rail is playing a crucial role in keeping goods moving throughout the Covid-19 outbreak, according to FTA and the Rail Freight Group (RFG). The two leading business groups are praising the role of rail in supporting the public, logistics industry and wider […]
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The 141st issue of RFG News, the Rail Freight Group’s regular newsletter, has now been published. Download a copy here. The May 2020 issue leads with the sector’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic and our recent membership survey. It revealed the challenges and cautious optimism across the sector. Covid-19 has not dampened the enthusiasm for rail […]
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A survey conducted by Rail Freight Group (RFG) of its members has highlighted the challenges facing companies across the rail freight sector but also offers hope that the recovery may not be as protracted as feared. The polling, conducted over the past two weeks, reveals significant interruption to normal operations with firms highlighting reduced demand […]
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Commenting on today’s (15 April) announcement that Department for Transport (DfT) has given approval for HS2 Ltd to issue Notice to Proceed, Maggie Simpson, RFG Director-General said: “We are delighted that Government has finally given the go-ahead to start the construction of HS2. This decision is welcome news for many of our member businesses who […]
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·Rail freight staff must be classed as key workers so they can continue to deliver services for the economy · Rail network operations must be prioritized for movement of key freight trains · Financial support is needed for private sector business to enable trains to keep running and increase volumes where required. In these unprecedented times, […]
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We are aware that the Covid-19 situation is highly concerning for all our members and staff. The RFG team stands ready to help support our members through this period, and we will be sending out frequent updates with relevant information as we receive it. The RFG team are working from home and can be contacted […]
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The 140th issue of RFG News, the Rail Freight Group’s regular newsletter, has now been published. Download your copy here. The March 2020 issue leads with the welcome for the confirmation of HS2 go-ahead but RFG warns that the debate around capacity must not get overlooked by concerns around speed. RFG will be continuing its work […]
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RFG’s annual Scottish Conference, held this week in Bellshill, highlighted the buoyant market for rail freight in Scotland, and the opportunities for further growth. Opening the conference, Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity at Scottish Government, said: “I cannot stress enough the opportunity for rail freight in the current environment”. Noting […]
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Representative bodies covering businesses, passengers, freight, and community groups have today published an open letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, calling for him to kick-start an ambitious “rolling programme” of rail electrification, if the Government wants to deliver on its aim of decarbonising UK rail by 2040. The representative bodies, which represent thousands of businesses […]
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