[locojoe]

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.”