Transport for LondonFreight RUS
TfL London Rail has submitted a formal response to Network Rail`s (NR) Freight consultation based on the London Freight Strategy study undertaken by TfL London Rail.TfL broadly supports the analysis and recommendations in the Freight Route Utilisation Strategy. TfL agrees that UK rail freight will grow and this is likely to give considerably higher growth in traffic to, from and across London.
There will also be significant growth in passenger demand and there is a pressing need for improved passenger services on the network as well. Due to the forecast growth in both areas TfL has recommended the development of alternative freight routes avoiding London and enhancements to existing routes. In particular, TfL supports the upgrading of the Barking - Gospel Oak - Willesden route and the development of the Felixstowe to Nuneaton cross country route.
TfL believes there is a strong case for further investigation of the ways in which rail can contribute more positively to the sustainability agenda. This includes gauge enhancement to further improve the efficiency and effectiveness of rail freight and consideration of electrification of some freight routes including the Barking to Gospel Oak line.
TfL`s vision and objectives for freight have been developed in the London Freight Plan, which was consulted upon in summer 2006 and is due to be published in 2007.
Network Rail Freight RUS - Response from TfL London Rail (PDF 217KB)
