Response to consultation on NR Draft Determination

RFG was pleased to respond to the ORR’s Draft Determination for Network rail in CP7. We recognised that the Draft Determination is an important part of the Periodic Review and were pleased that ORR was able to publish it in good time, and in particular that the NR draft price lists were published considerably earlier than in PR18, which of course is helpful for freight operators and customers.

We also recognised that this periodic review takes place in the face of the current fiscal challenges for the economy in general and the railways in particular. Rail freight operators and customers are faced with significant financial pressures, with the cost of living crisis reducing demand for goods, construction output levelling off and high inflation affecting operations.

At the same time the economic downturn has softened road haulage prices, making it even harder for rail freight to compete.

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