Container traffic could double by year 2015
 

FROM THE RAILNEWS PAGES.
Container traffic could double by year 2015

A NEW study by the Freight Transport Association and the Rail Freight Group predicts demand for rail freight will double by 2030.

According to the forecasts, there will also be a 30 per cent increase in tonne/km by 2015 when intermodal traffic will more than double, going on to increase five-fold by 2030.

The figures update the last set of FTA rail freight forecasts made in 2006.

James Hookham, FTA policy director, says the growth will come from more international trade, plus significant use of rail to and from new rail-connected warehouses.

He adds: “UK rail freight growth has been amongst the highest in the EU.

“Rail will play an increasingly prominent role in moving containers to and from ports, and we anticipate a growing demand from many sectors of industry seeking to reduce their use of congested road networks.

“Continued investment in the rail network is vital to sustain trade and the economy.”

RFG chairman Tony Berkeley said: “These new forecasts demonstrate the urgent challenges facing the rail industry and the Government in meeting future demand for rail freight.”

One thing is certain: we don't want all those extra containers on the roads. Someone needs to start planning now! Another reason for HS2 etc.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

More container traffic should be moved by train to help ease road congestion. Years ago nearly all goods were transported by rail then moved to road and now going back to rail. These large 40 odd tonne lorries are far to big for our already overloaded British road system.

Are those trains of wagon frames intended to carry containers still in existance? There used to be a collection of them at Lowestoft some years back. Or were most cut up for scrap.
One of the things the Good Doctor was on about the other night that may come seriously come into being.
John (G)

Who presided over the removal of all freightliner terminals in the UK?
Step forward and take a bow Maggie.
Political decision yet again.
Paul.

What about the canals too? They were originally constructed for moving freight but now they're just for leisure. But surely they could help relieve the roads.

I suppose theoreticcaly it would be possible, but I'd imagine that it would be a bit slow really.

In a continuous supply line speed is not vital. After all most goods from China comes in containers by sea!

The canals are still well used for frieght on the continent, but they are wider and deeper. Our canals are too narrow and shallow, yet again being first on the scene has worked against us! Just like the British loading guage on the railways.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Well despite whatever politcal interference may have taken place in the past, intermodal freight is alive and well.

Freightliner's empire grew out of Privitisation and can be seen here...http://www.freightliner.co.uk/default.aspx?PageID=37

And EWS, GBRf, DRS and others also compete to run intermodal flows.

I am pleased to hear that freight is alive and well. I also hope, but doubt, that all parts of the railway will be free from outside interference, privatised or not.
Paul.