Calls for new freight policy for Scotland

Scotland needs a new rail freight policy, with National Planning Frameworks ensuring that rail freight is “treated as being of major strategic importance and that strategic rail hubs are given appropriate priority”. 

That is the conclusion of Scotland’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee, which published the findings of its inquiry into freight transport in Scotland on June 29. 

After hearing evidence from a range of freight users and operators, the committee also recommends changes to the Freight Facilities Grants process, to enable investment in a fleet of low-floor intermodal wagons available to all operators to ensure carriage of 9ft 6in high containers. Rail has a 4.2% modal share in Scotland against a UK average of 9% in 2010.

Investment in terminal facilities at Coatbridge and Mossend (to grow intermodal traffic) is considered vital, as is extension of passing loops to 775 metres to allow longer trains to operate. The Tesco train to Inverness was highlighted - it currently carries 20 containers, but with longer passing loops could carry 28 “at only marginal extra cost”.

• ​For more on this story, read RAIL 778, published on July 8.
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