The Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) is calling for evidence from businesses on how to increase the amount of freight that is moved by rail.

The evidence will help the Government to set a rail freight growth target, which will complement existing and future targets set by Scottish Ministers, and magnify the impact of rail freight growth nationwide.

GBRTT is looking to understand the realistic volume of goods that could be transferred to rail, where the potential for future rail freight traffic exists, and where new rail terminals could be needed.

The call for evidence is open for 12 weeks from now until 27th September. Views and ideas are sought from the widest possible range of stakeholders within and beyond the rail and logistics sectors on how to expand rail freight.

Separately, the Department for Transport and Industry published a joint Future of Freight long-term plan in early June. This highlighted the role that rail freight and mode shift plays in enabling an efficient, resilient, reliable, and sustainable freight and logistics sector.

If rail freight volumes treble by 2050, as modelling indicates could be required to meet the net-zero targets, there would be about 14 million fewer road lorry movements a year than today. This growth would decarbonise the nation’s logistics chains and get lorries off roads.

It is estimated rail freight currently accounts for just 10% of surface freight but delivers social and economic benefits worth £2.5 billion to the UK each year. Over 60% of these benefits are realised in former industrial heartlands. Freight trains generate about 76% less carbon emissions compared to HGVs per tonne of goods transported.

Rail Minister, Wendy Morton said: “With freight playing a significant role in removing emissions from our transport network, this new growth target will be vital for creating a greener freight network as we continue to strive towards net zero.”

Helen McAllister, Programme Director (Freight Reform) at GBRTT, said: “Freight trains have a key role to play in a decarbonised logistics system, and there’s scope for the railway to do even more.

“Research suggests we could need to treble the amount of freight carried by rail to help meet net zero commitments. This would also cut road congestion for drivers and boost the economy.

“This call for evidence will help us understand how much of the current and future market demand for freight could be met by rail, how we can make it even more efficient and sustainable and how we can connect to new customers.”

Kate Jennings, Policy Director at Logistics UK said: “When passenger numbers dropped as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, focus across the rail industry shifted to rail freight. But now, with passenger numbers returning, our sector will require support and investment to respond to customer demand. Logistics UK welcomes the Government’s commitment to establishing a rail freight growth target and is urging its members to respond to this Call for Evidence to ensure the resulting plans for the future of rail freight are clear and ambitious.”