Greater Manchester Spatial Framework Revised Draft

Rail Freight Group (RFG) is pleased to respond to the consultation on the Greater Manchester Spatial Framework.

Rail freight is a key part of the freight and logistics network serving the Greater Manchester area. Research by the Rail Delivery Group shows that the north west region benefits by £331m per annum by goods moved on rail instead of road.  There are a number of important rail terminals particularly Trafford Park for intermodal traffic and Agecroft, Bredbury, Ashburys, Salford and Collier Street for construction materials and waste.

However, compared to other cities, Greater Manchester and its hinterland is under represented; for example, there are at least three intermodal terminals in the West Midlands and Birmingham, and over 40% of construction aggregates and cement are delivered to London by rail.

As such the support in this consultation for a greater use of sustainable freight, including rail, is welcome, as is the support for specific locations such as Trafford Park and Port Salford.

Click the link to download the GM Spatial Plan: GM Spatial Plan March 2019