Lord Hendy: freight "will continue to have a role" in reformed railway

Rail Partners hosted its annual parliamentary reception for rail freight on March 11 - its last before it ceases to operate at the beginning of April.

In his keynote speech, Rail Minister Lord Hendy spoke of the absurdity of the current system and of how reform is badly needed, claiming that only North Korea and Russia had government ministers approving railway timetables.

“Frankly, I don’t think that a government minister should be taking a decision about railway timetables,” he said.

“It’s been four years since the public consultation for the East Coast Main Line. We can do better than that - and the reform will help us.”

There have been doubts within the sector on the government’s commitment to rail freight. But Hendy moved to allay those concerns, adding that the government was committed to seeing a further increase to rail’s modal share, which has recently increased to 8%.

He added: “I want to make it absolutely clear that the private sector, including freight, will continue to have a role as we transition to a new operating model for the railway.”

Freightliner CEO Tim Shoveller said there was still a lot of work to do in order for freight to realise its potential, but said the industry had to grasp the opportunity.

He added: “We can keep doing what we’ve been doing for the last ten or 20 years and hope for a different outcome, a better outcome. The government can implement its vision that’s outlined in the consultation, and see how we get on.

“Or we can build on that vision. Recognise the economic realities of road vs rail and act.”