“Once-in-a-generation opportunity” for rail freight

Network Rail needs a stronger national freight team, according to the infrastructure company’s Group Director, Network Services.

Nick King explained that having arrived from Queensland Rail in Australia, he was surprised at how little rail freight is understood outside the immediate industry.

Speaking at the Rail Freight Group annual Christmas lunch on December 12, King said: “The network sees five million passengers and 600 freight trains a day, and the £1.7 billion economic benefits are crucial to how the country functions and will only become more important as the country grows.”

Addressing concerns raised by RFG members, he said: “We are entering a time of fundamental change for our railway - not just for Network Rail, but for the whole industry. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to take a fresh look at the infrastructure and make a positive difference for all users.”

• For the FULL story, read RAIL 895, published January 2, and available digitally on Android, iPad and Kindle from December 28.