The government has revealed new target for Great British Railways (GBR) to increase the amount of freight moved by rail by at least 40% by 2040.  

This new target is an important step towards the government’s goal of increasing rail freight by at least 75% by 2050, by moving more freight from road to rail and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around one million tonnes each year, while also reducing pressure on the road network. 

Kate Over, TfSE Transport Strategy Manager commented that “the Government’s new 40% rail freight growth milestone is a welcome step towards its longer-term 75% growth target for 2050.  

For the TfSE area, increasing rail freight use can help support economic growth, improve supply chain resilience, reduce congestion on parts of the strategic road network, and reduce the overall number of lorries on the roads. Transport for the South East’s Transport Strategy, Rail Strategy and recent Intermodal Rail Freight Interchange Study all highlight the importance of a coordinated approach to rail-connected freight infrastructure, which will help businesses make greater use of sustainable and efficient freight movements across the region.”