Freight group seeks fair access to capacity released by HS2

Government must secure the future of HS2, according to the Freight Transport Association.

With uncertainty around the Oakervee Review (RAIL 892), FTA Head of Multimodal Policy Alex Veitch said: “FTA and its members are excited about the prospect of HS2 and what it can deliver for the logistics industry. With HS2 trains able to carry over 300,000 people per day, the shift in traffic will release capacity on existing rail lines which can be used for freight.

“Allowing more freight to travel by rail will ease congestion on our busy road infrastructure, with HS2 predicting that its first phase alone could free up rail freight capacity equivalent to around 1,500 lorries every day.”

• For the FULL story, read RAIL 893, published on December 4, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from November 30.