The Department for Transport (DfT) is seeking the views of stakeholders on the operation and effectiveness of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011 (RIR 2011) and the associated standards framework. This survey forms part of DfT’s statutory Post Implementation Review (PIR) of RIR 2011, which assesses whether the regulations are achieving their intended objectives, whether they […]
Rail Freight Group (RFG) was pleased to respond to the ORR on modifying non‑GBR licences in the context of rail reform. While we recognise that some changes are inevitable, changes to the non-GBR licences must be kept to a minimum to avoid unintended negative impacts on the rail freight industry, and to help manage the […]
Rail Freight Group (RFG) was pleased to respond to the National Policy Statement for Fusion Energy Generation (EN-8) Consultation. Fusion energy plants are predicted to require several million tonnes of concrete materials, respectively. Rail freight’s high load capacity, lower carbon emissions compared to diesel trucks, and avoidance of road traffic make it an ideal transport […]
The Rail Freight Group (RFG) has today (26 March 2026) published a new report, ‘Freight Forward’, highlighting the vital contribution rail freight makes to the UK economy and wider society, as well as setting out the actions needed to unlock future growth. The report explores key themes including decarbonisation, community impact, resilience and rail reform, […]
In February of this year, the government published a draft consultation titled Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS): Non-pipeline Transport outlining its plans for carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) (carbon dioxide). The government has positioned CCUS as an essential process for the Net Zero Strategy, which they aim to achieve by 2050, and is […]
RFG is pleased to provide a response to the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government’s proposed National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) for 2026. Moving freight by rail is a government priority, intending to achieve 75 percent rail freight growth by 2050. To meet or exceed this goal, rail freight terminals must be in optimal […]
Rail Freight Group was pleased to respond to Network Rail’s discussion document on Great British Railways’ Access and Use policy. We recognise the significant changes to the access framework which are being made under the Railways Bill 2025, and the work which is presently ongoing to design the new regime. We appreciate the consultative and […]
Introduction The rail freight sector is a thriving and growing part of UK railways, delivering over £2.5bn in economic value for the country each year. At the heart of rail freight is a network of businesses from freight train operators to ports, terminals, suppliers and end customers investing to support sustainable rail based supply chains. […]
Rail Freight Group was pleased to respond to the ORR’s consultation on developing ORR’s process for GBR Appeals. The changes being progressed through the Railways Bill 2025 will have a significant impact for all parties in UK rail, whether or not they become an integrated part of Great British Railways (GBR). The new body will be […]
Rail Freight Group was pleased to provide evidence to the London Assembly Transport Committee Inquiry on Road Space Driving and Congestion. Rail has the potential to help alleviate congestion in London, not just by reallocating space currently taken up by HGVs on London’s roads, but in so doing, help to reduce the number of road […]
