HS1: Structure of Charges Review – Phase 1
RFG was pleased to respond to the HS1 Initial Consultation on the Structure of Charges.
HS1 is an important artery for freight traffic, being the only route between mainland Europe and the UK to have the capability for high gauge traffic including use of standard European wagons.
HS1 also enables freight traffic to go directly to Barking and thus serve the growing cluster of freight and logistics activity in that area. These features give HS1 an advantage over other routes from the Channel Tunnel for some types of traffic.
The conventional routes do not have the capability for European-gauge intermodal trains, nor do they give a direct route to East London.
However despite these advantages freight traffic on HS1 remains minimal. There are a variety of well established reasons for this which include operational challenges across Europe and on the route, previous service disruptions and the overall balance of trade.
