Response to ORR’s consultation on the periodic review of HS1 Ltd

Rail Freight Group was pleased to respond to the ORR’s consultation on the periodic review of HS1 Ltd. International rail freight through the Channel Tunnel remains an under developed market for UK rail freight, but one which continues to have significant potential. There are a number of challenges in this market however, including the lack of ‘gauge clearance’ on the key routes through Kent, which means that containers cannot be conveyed on them.  This is a significant limit for the market.

HS1 therefore offers some significant benefits for freight services, particularly the ability to convey containers. HS1 also allows European wagons to be conveyed, which reduces complexity, and provides a direct link to the Barking area which is a significant freight and logistics cluster.  However, there are also many limitations on operations, and the costs of using HS1 for freight have been prohibitive.

Whilst we recognise that HS1 is by design a high speed passenger railway, the significant opportunity for rail freight must remain a key part of the planning and operation of the railway. We are therefore pleased to see the consideration given to freight users in this consultation, and the proposals to significantly reduce freight charges, which we strongly support.

Click the link to download the RFG response to ORR consultation on HS1.