HS2 Must Deliver Its Promises on Rail Freight Vital Capacity Potential Must Not Get Overlooked by ‘Speed’ Debate

140 March 2020 NEWS www.rfg.org.uk Helping ensure a sustainable future for UK rail freight HS2 must deliver its promises on rail freight Vital capacity potential must not get overlooked by ‘speed’ debate. P.3 RFG welcomes On 11 February, Rail Freight Group (RFG) network where HS2 trains will operate. This is Joe O’Donnell as its strongly welcomed the Government essential to allow freight operators and custom- announcement that HS2 is to be delivered ers to develop their future plans, and to ensure new Head of Policy in full, with work on Phases 1 and 2A that the benefits of HS2 can now be delivered given the green light to commence immedi- in practice.” ately and Phase 2B to be developed towards implementation. Views from the sector:

HS2 has the potential to deliver significant ben- DB Cargo CEO Hans-Georg Werner said HS2 efits for rail freight by releasing capacity for new represented a “once in a generation” opportu- services on the existing network. With each nity to massively bolster rail capacity, providing freight train producing 76% less CO2 than the significant economic and environmental bene- equivalent road journey, HS2 can also help fits for freight operators. decarbonise freight transport by allowing new P.4 services to operate, taking more HGVs off the “This is fantastic news for the rail freight in- East Midlands congested road network. However, to date, dustry and its customers. We are pleased the Gateway opens for the Government has not confirmed how much Government has recognised the strength of the business capacity will be made available for freight once many arguments the industry made for build- the new line is open. ing HS2,” he said. “The existing rail network is heavily congested and the securing of pathways Maggie Simpson, RFG Director-General, said: for new traffic is already a major headache for “The decision to proceed with HS2 is great many operators. We expect demand for rail news for the freight sector, and for the UK econ- freight to continue to rise and the building of the omy. Our members welcome the decision and new high-speed rail link will ensure we can de- are keen to see rapid progress in constructing liver an even faster and more efficient service this new railway. Now that the uncertainty is for our customers in the future whilst reducing over, Government and HS2 must act to confirm road congestion and our overall environmental and safeguard released capacity for freight use impact.” and to resolve bottlenecks elsewhere on the Continued on page 2. P.9 RFG Members meet to tackle Scottish rail freight challenges.

Scottish Transport Minister announces renewed support for rail freight See page 8. Get your entries in for the RFGDetails onAwards page 3. 2020! RFG News Mar 2020

Director-General’s Update: Maggie Simpson email your comments to [email protected] checks, including safety and security declarations will be Uncertain required, and work is underway to ensure that the previously agreed protocols for Channel Tunnel rail freight are impact on still comprehensive.

rail freight Yet despite these risks there are also huge opportunities ahead. At the recent opening of the new East Midlands from Covid-19 Gateway, John Williams, the CEO of Maritime Transport set out the opportunities he sees for growth in rail from epidemic the site, linking the new warehouses with ports and other By Maggie Simpson, Director distributors across the country. With daily services now General, Rail Freight Group (RFG) operating to and from the site there was a huge sense of optimism in the room, and speeches from Sir John Peace, Chair of the Midlands Engine, and Rail Minister Chris He- There is little doubt that the global spread of corona- aton-Harris also emphasised the potential for growth. virus is deeply concerning from a public health perspective, but the ensuing economic impacts are also Our Scottish Conference in Bellshill last week also had severe. In the UK we have seen airlines cutting back a strong positive feel. Opening the conference, Michael on routes, the collapse of Flybe, companies cutting Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infra- back on staff travel and events and supply chain in- structure and Connectivity at Scottish Government said, terruption. For the rail freight sector there has been an ‘I cannot stress enough the opportunity for rail freight in immediate and direct impact with several intermod- the current environment’. Subsequent presentations from al services being stood down, because the inbound Network Rail, PD Stirling and Highland Spring, amongst sailings to the UK from China have been cancelled. others, also emphasised the huge opportunity ahead. There is little that the UK rail freight industry can do to manage this risk, and it is unclear how long it will con- This positivity is compelling, particularly when things are tinue for. Companies are taking all the necessary steps not easy in the existing business, and at RFG we will con- to deliver for customers while managing business risk tinue to work to make the case for growth as well as be- and there is a great deal of collaboration to find the op- ing alter to the current situation. Keep your goods news timum solution. At RFG we are monitoring the changes, stories coming and let’s keep making this year a positive. and making sure that the impact is understood by policy makers and opinion formers, as well as supporting our RFG Team News members where we can. Let us hope that the situation We were delighted to welcome Joe O’Donnell to the can be quickly controlled globally, and that as we move to RFG team at the start of the year as our new Head of the summer months rail volumes pick up again. Policy. Joe is based in the London office and will be working with me to formulate our policy agenda, working with members to identify priority areas for our campaign Please note that all RFG events are continuing as work. If you have not met Joe yet you can contact him at normal unless advised differently by Government. If [email protected]. More details on page 3 and Policy Update concerned at all, please contact Phillippa O’Shea at on page 4. [email protected]. There is more detail and links on this issue on page 4. In Scotland David Spaven, who has worked with RFG for The sudden impact is of course set again a backdrop nine years, will retire at the end of March. David has played of change. With the UK’s departure from the EU at the a huge part in RFG and in Scottish rail freight, and he will end of January the new Government is looking to future be very much missed. We wish him well for the future and trade relationships and establishing the necessary trad- thank him for all that he has done for rail freight growth ing arrangements. For border checks it seems that full and RFG. We are currently recruiting a replacement. •

our economy into the future. If HS2 does Review and the Prime Minister have ac- Continued from page 1. not get the green light, the country will knowledged. have missed a unique opportunity to de- Freightliner CEO Gary Long added: “With carbonise much of the transport network. “The decision will free up extra capacity each freight train taking an average 76 Instead of looking to a future of traffic jams on the West Coast Mainline which will help lorries off UK roads, a failure to build the and delays, this is the moment to make a the growth of rail freight, supporting eco- new line will lead to hundreds more heavy choice for a sustainable future”, he added. nomic growth across the UK and helping goods vehicles on the M6 every day. HS2 the delivery of the Government’s targets is an investment that will ease road con- John Smith, MD of GB Railfreight, who to decarbonise the economy by support- gestion and boost local train services. submitted a response to the Oakervee ing the shift of freight from road to more Acting like a by-pass does to local roads, Review, said: “I am delighted and relieved sustainable rail services.” scope to add more local passenger ser- the Government has given the green light vices will also be hampered should HS2 to the project. HS2 will be the first new rail- RFG position paper on HS2 and the West not continue. way constructed north of London for over Coast Main Line is here. a century, creating much needed capaci- “Businesses need efficient transport links ty and connections across the North and RFG Submission to the Oakervee Review to get their goods to market, and by re- Midlands. There is no other viable alterna- is here. • leasing capacity on the existing rail net- tive to the project, as both the Oakervee work, HS2 can deliver on this, supporting 2 RFG News Mar 2020

RFG drives forward News in brief policy agenda with • GB Railfreight has now resumed services from new appointment Cricklewood to Calvert. It The Rail Freight Group is delighted to is operating services five announce the appointment of a new Head times a week between S of Policy to help drive forward its work in Walsh and Sons waste supporting the development of the UK rail transfer station, off Brent freight sector. Terrace at Cricklewood, to FCC Environment’s landfill Joe O’Donnell comes to the RFG at a time of site in Buckinghamshire, intense activity and his support is going to add a transporting building and huge resource to the team as it meets the grow- construction waste. The ing demands of RFG members and the wider trains carry around 1,500 sector in 2020. tonnes of soil and rubble from major projects such Maggie Simpson, RFG Director-General, said: as the Brent Cross rede- “I am delighted that Joe is joining our team to es to account. There’s a real challenge in mak- velopment and preliminary focus on the vital policy agenda for rail freight. ing sure the voice of all key stakeholders gets works being undertaken His appointment will strengthen our team and heard and I look forward to playing my part in for the construction of allow us to better support our members in key helping that happen.” HS2. topics such as decarbonisation, the Williams Review and regional devolution. His support will He was previously Head of Policy and Commu- • Direct Rail Services be invaluable in helping our members.” nications at the Heritage Alliance, the umbrella (DRS) has been named organisation for the heritage sector, represent- ‘The Best Performing Joe added: “I am looking forward to getting to ing around 130 diverse heritage organisations Rail Freight Operator’ for know the RFG membership and in particular from the National Trust and English Heritage to the seventh year running to understand their needs and day-to-day con- small charities. As a result, he has experience of at the Golden Whistle cerns. It’s an exciting time for the rail freight working in a membership body. Prior to working Awards. sector right now as more retailers look to take in the heritage sector, Joe wrote about employ- goods off the roads and invest in more environment law and policy for Thomson Reuters. • Proposals to reinvigor- mentally friendly ways of moving their freight. ate the Doncaster Shef- We have a new Government promising signif- Joe can be contacted at [email protected], 07974 field Airport as a new com- icant investment in transport infrastructure and 168 922. Please feel free to reach out to him mercial hub create up to our challenge will be to help hold those promis- on LinkedIn. 33,000 jobs in the process has rail freight at the heart of the plans. The consortium of business interests behind the scheme say that a short rail link, and Enter the RFG Awards 2020 a freight yard directly con- The 2020 RFG Awards are kindly sponsored by nected to the airport would Burges Salmon LLP and GB Railfreight provide a new national and regional rail connec- tion. From Railfreight.com

• GB Railfreight has un- The prestigious RFG Awards, which recognise excellence in all aspects of rail veiled plans for a £3m new freight, are now open for entries. We would encourage all our members to use ‘operational and training this opportunity to take the chance to acknowledge the outstanding work done by facility’ in Peterborough. your teams up and down the country, each and every day. Lindum have been appointed to undertake Winners will be presented with their trophies at an informal ceremony and dinner the construction of the on Thursday 10 September 2020 at De Vere Latimer Estate, Chesham, Bucks HP5 three-storey office building 1UG. on Maskew Avenue, on the edge of the city centre. Awards categories: The work will involve the • Customer Care (incorporating Support Services) demolition of existing • Community and Environmental Responsibility temporary office buildings • Innovation & Technical Development and construction of a new • Rail Freight Project of the Year building to house a control • Outstanding Individual Contribution room, three classrooms, a • Young Rail Freight Professional board room and staff wel- • The Business of the Year Award (nominated and chosen by the judges from fare facilities. entries received)

Click here for all details and entry process. • 3 RFG News Mar 2020

Policy Update: Joe O’Donnell email your comments to [email protected]

Budget 2020 plans for ‘a once in a generation transformation of the UK’s economic infrastructure’. Other announcements in and rail freight the budget of interest to rail freight include: By Joe O’Donnell, Head of Policy, Rail Freight Group (RFG). • Rail is among the sectors exempt from the removal of the entitlement to use red diesel from April 2022. The Treasury has confirmed this does not include red diesel The Government has published used in rail terminals. So only red diesel used for pro- the 2020 budget and the doc- pulsion (e.g. locomotives or diesel multiple units) will uments underpinning it. It an- maintain the entitlement. The government will consult on nounces funding to deal with whether the entitlement to use red diesel and rebated bio Covid-19 and a large increase fuels is justified for any other users. By removing this tax in spending. Of greatest inter- relief the government intends to encourage businesses est to the rail freight sector will be the announcement to improve the energy efficiency of their vehicles and ma- that locomotives will be able to continue to use red chinery or look for greener alternatives. The development diesel. of these alternatives will be supported by the government The Government’s announcements on the coronavirus more than doubling its investment in the Energy Innova- include: tion Programme,

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will now be available for eligi- • £20m to develop the Midlands Rail Hub, progressing ble individuals diagnosed with Covid-19 or those self-iso- plans for a major programme of improvements to rail ser- lating in line with Government advice. SSP will be payable vices between the regions’ cities from day 1 instead of day 4 for affected individuals • £500,000 to support Bradford to develop plans that • People who are advised to self-isolate will be able to ob- would maximise the benefits of potential Northern Power- tain an alternative to the fit note to cover this by contacting house Rail connections NHS 111, rather than visiting a doctor, and • an informal consultation over spring 2020 on the VAT • Employers with fewer than 250 employees will be able to and excise treatment of goods crossing UK borders after reclaim SSP paid for sickness absence due to Covid-19. the brexit transition period This refund will cover up to 2 weeks’ SSP per eligible em- ployee who has been off work because of Covid-19. • simplified rules for the VAT treatment of intra-EU movements of call-off stock, allowing businesses to delay ac- The Budget launches the Comprehensive Spending Re- counting for VAT until the goods are called-off view 2020 (CSR) which will conclude in July and will set out detailed spending plans for public services and in- • ambitious plans to increase public R&D investment to vestment, covering resource budgets for three years from £22bn per year by 2024-25 to support objectives includ- 2021-22 to 2023-24 and capital budgets up to 2024-25. ing tackling climate change. Details will be set out at the The CSR will prioritise improving public services, levelling forthcoming CSR, and up economic opportunity across all nations and regions, strengthening the UK’s place in the world and support- • increasing the rate of Research & Development Ex- ing the government’s ambitions to reach net zero carbon penditure Credit from 12% to 13%. emissions by 2050. Later in the spring the government will publish a National Infrastructure Strategy which will set out Please see our Westminster Update for further Budget details starting on page 26. •

An important note on Coronavirus Covid-19 We have received a number of enquires regarding future RFG events. At present we have no plans to postpone or cancel any of our published events and are planning for them in the usual way.

We are aware however that this is an evolving situation, and we are monitoring the official advice from UK Government. We will of course act if there is any change in this advice that affects any future event.

We expect delegates at our events to follow and adhere to the Public Health England (PHE) and NHS guidance regarding Cov- id-19.

If following PHE or NHS guidance requires you to self-isolate you must not attend our events.

RFG will liaise with our event partners and venues to ensure that appropriate hygiene measures are in place at the venue. Dele- gate are asked to take sensible precautions such as frequent handwashing when attending events. We would discourage hand- shaking or other forms of physical greeting/contact at this time and encourage alternative non-contact greetings. We ask that attendees are not offended if delegates decline to accept standard business greetings such as handshakes. If you can no longer attend an RFG event due to COVID-19 restrictions, please contact the person you made the booking with to advise them and discuss options for refunds or deferral of bookings to future events. 4 RFG News Mar 2020

Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, said: “The rail freight sec- Rail Minister officially tor is vital to the UK, not only supporting economic growth and international transport links, but driving down emissions by re- opens Maritime’s rail moving around seven million lorry journeys a year from Britain’s roads. This new Gateway provides direct access to the UK’s ma- freight interchange at jor ports, demonstrating that Britain is open for business and our East Midlands Gateway commitment to boosting jobs and trade while cleaning up our air.” John Williams added: “Opening our new rail terminal at East Mid- On 28 February, Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, joined lands Gateway is an extremely proud occasion for Maritime. This representatives from Maritime Transport and Segro, along- great facility, thanks to our vision and the vision of Segro, far side some 350 guests from across the logistics industry to exceeds the minimum, and we have jointly created a spectacular mark the official opening of the new strategic rail freight in- fit-for-purpose terminal that will further enable us to offer a full terchange at Segro Logistics Park East Midlands Gateway. end-to-end UK logistics solution to our customers. We have seen promising demand already, and are confident of its success.” The event follows the introduction of the first dedicated service between East Midlands Gateway and the Port of Felixstowe David Sleath, Chief Executive Officer, Segro, said: “The new rail which is operated by Maritime Intermodal, a subdivision of Mari- freight interchange is a fantastic addition to Segro Logistics Park time Transport [pictured]. East Midlands Gateway and makes it a true multimodal ‘in-land’ port which facilitates the efficient and sustainable movement of The 17-acre open-access terminal, capable of handling up to 16 goods around the country. We are keen to build on the success 775m freight trains daily and providing storage capacity for over of East Midlands Gateway by continuing to grow our footprint in 5,000TEU, is the first to connect to the Castle Donington freight the Midlands. We have planning consent to create almost 15m line, providing direct access to the UK’s network of rail freight sq ft of industrial or logistics space in the region in the coming interchanges and all major UK Ports. years which will represent around £1bn of further investment and bring significant long-term benefits for the economy, our custom- Opening ceremony guests included representatives from glob- ers and local communities.” al shipping lines, rail freight companies, UK ports, retailers, freight forwarders and trusted suppliers. Those in attendance Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine, went on to heard speeches from Chris Heaton-Harris MP, Chairman of the say: “Not only will this fantastic facility transport international Midlands Engine, Sir John Peace, Maritime’s Group Executive goods, UK-wide, and connect to our ports and airports, but it will Chairman, John Williams, and Segro’s Chief Executive Officer, play an essential role in our carbon neutrality by allowing us to David Sleath. The Maritime Intermodal Two locomotive was also move more freight from our congested road network onto the rail- present on the day, joined by three other locomotives hauled by way,’ said ‘The Midlands Engine is working towards a prosperous DB Cargo (UK), GB Railfreight, and Freightliner. future, and it’s essential that we do this on a global scale, that we reach out to our international partners and that we continue to trade and export. However, our continued success must be sustainable, and our growth inclusive. That’s why the work of Segro, Maritime Transport, and the Midlands Engine is so important.”

East Midlands Gateway is Maritime’s fifth rail terminal to date. It utilises resources consisting of three loaded reach stackers and two empty container handlers to ensure quick turnaround times, and will eventually host a three-storey, 20,000 sq ft headquarters for Maritime Intermodal to house operations staff, state-of-the-art training facilities, and parking for a fleet of up to 100 trucks. RFG News Mar 2020 Our transport network provides one of the biggest areas of op- Government needs to portunity in this regard, and rail electrification is an essential part of this. We support the development of a credible programme to kick-start a ‘rolling cut the carbon cost of rail journeys nationwide” programme’ of rail Electrical Contractors Association (ECA) Energy Advisor Luke Osborne said: “The UK’s railway system, particularly in the North, electrification is in desperate need of investment and decarbonisation to bring it into the 21st Century. Electrification of the railways is fundamen- Representative bodies covering businesses, passengers, tal to getting zero carbon done.” freight, and community groups have published an open letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, calling for him Justin Moss and Mike Hulme, Co-Chairs of Northern Rail Indus- to kick-start an ambitious “rolling programme” of rail elec- try Leaders (NRIL) said: “Decarbonising our rail network is im- trification, if the Government wants to deliver on its aim of portant for the whole UK and in the North there are a number of decarbonising UK rail by 2040. lines that would benefit from electrification, including the Trans Pennine Route. We’d urge the Government to restart the elec- The representative bodies, which represent thousands of busi- trification programme, and get on with decarbonising rail lines nesses and organisations, have urged the Government to end across the country.” the ‘stop-start’ nature of past electrification schemes and to introduce a ring-fenced “rolling programme” fund that allows the Maggie Simpson, Director General of the Rail Freight Group, rail industry to extend electrified track over several years. They said: “Rail freight is already the environmental choice for freight have called on the Government to act before current electrifica- movement, but we cannot be complacent. Electrification is the tion schemes are completed after which – without other schemes only proven technology to decarbonise rail freight, and Govern- to move on to – many skills and expertise will be lost. ment must start a rolling programme to electrify key routes, supporting private sector investment in new locomotives, and ensur- Darren Shirley, Chief Executive of Campaign for Better Transport, ing a low carbon future solution for freight customers and wider said: “The scale and pace of rail electrification must increase if society.” legally binding carbon emission targets are to be met and air quality improved in towns and cities. Rail is currently the greenest Elaine Clark, CEO of Rail Forum Midlands said: “Government major form of transport, but will cede that leading position un- commitment to a long term rolling programme of electrification is doing wider efforts to reduce carbon emissions unless the Gov- essential if we are to meet the challenges set for decarbonising ernment commits to a rolling programme of electrification. The the railway and contribute to wider UK emissions and air quality Government should introduce a ring-fenced fund in the upcoming targets. It’s also the only way we can retain and develop these Budget with a longer-term settlement in the Spending Review so essential skills in the industry thereby driving the reduction in de- that communities can reap the benefits of cleaner train services.” livery costs that have been identified as possible.“

Noel Dolphin, Campaign to Electrify Britain’s Railway (CEBR), Darren Caplan, Chief Executive of the Railway Industry Asso- said: “In order to deliver a decarbonised rail network, a significant ciation (RIA), said: “Kick-starting a programme of electrification amount of electrification is required. Electrification also provides on intensively-used rail is essential if the Government is seri- benefits of increased capacity, decreased journey times and qui- ous about delivering on its goal to decarbonise UK rail by 2040. eter, cleaner trains. A rolling programme of electrification is the Not only are electrified trains key to decarbonisation, electrified most efficient and cost-effective way to deliver electrification.” tracks are more reliable, reduce costs in the long term and short- en journey times too. Research conducted by RIA has shown Alasdair Reisner, Chief executive, CECA, said: “It is essential that that the costs of electrification schemes can be lowered by up the UK moves swiftly to meet its carbon reduction commitments. to 50% compared to some past projects, particularly if supported by a “rolling programme” of work to avoid the expensive and inefficient ‘feast and famine’ approach to investment in the past. So we urge the Transport Secretary to make this a top priority as the new Government develops its Infrastructure Strategy in the months ahead.”Representative bodies covering businesses, passengers, freight, and community groups have today published an open letter to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, calling for him to kick-start an ambitious “rolling programme” of rail electrification, if the Government wants to deliver on its aim of decarbonising UK rail by 2040.

The representative bodies, which represent thousands of businesses and organisations, have urged the Government to end the ‘stop-start’ nature of past electrification schemes and to introduce a ring-fenced “rolling programme” fund that allows the rail industry to extend electrified track over several years. They have called on the Government to act before current electrification schemes are completed after which – without other schemes to move on to – many skills and expertise will be lost.

Download the letter in full here. •

6 RFG News Mar 2020

he was responsible for the National Passenger Operator Liam said: “Since I joined in GB Railfreight maintenance of GBRf de- (FNPO), where held the po- 2014, we have experienced pots across the UK. sitions of Customer Manager huge growth and I have been appoints new and Route Freight Manager. very fortunate to work with commercial Following a short spell as Head both long standing and new of Estates, Liam moved to the John Smith, MD GBRf, said: customers to develop rail director position of Business Manager “Liam has played a key role in freight solutions that meet their (and latterly General Manag- securing long term contracts needs. I am passionate about GB Railfreight (GBRf) has er) in the Commercial Depart- with Cemex, Hanson Aggre- ensuring the service we offer announced the appointment ment in April 2016. He began gates and Hanson Cement is industry leading and will be of Liam Day as Commercial his career on the railways in whilst expanding GBRf’s bulk focused on working with our Director. He joined GBRf in Network Rail’s graduate man- portfolio to its current worth of customers to remove cost and August 2014 as Terminal De- agement training programme circa £75m per annum.” inefficiency from their supply velopment Manager, where before joining the Freight and chains.” •

opportunity to identify an important read- RFG Handbook 2019 ership of key decision makers.

advertising opportunities A range of advertising opportunities are available and more detailed We are now in the process of compiling the next information can be obtained from edition of the official Rail Freight Group Handbook, a the publishers (Zinc Media) where useful guide and reference tool for the whole sector Jennifer Collins will be more than covering all areas of involvement including the provi- happy to provide you with more sion of rolling stock to the maintenance and renewal of information. infrastructure, legislation and regulation.

Please feel free to call her for The publication is available digitally and in hard copy, and details on 01625 667583. by targeting this specific sector provides an ideal advertising • 7 SCOTTISH CONFERENCE Mar 2020

at securing new markets and making use of rail attractive to busi- RFG Scottish Conference nesses eacross Scotland.

Highlights Ambition for “We have also given a clear commitment to decarbonise Scot- land’s passenger services by 2035 and this includes a rolling Growth programme of efficient electrification. In addition, our dedicated £25m Rail Freight Fund and our Mode Shift Grant support RFG’s Annual Scottish Conference, held in Bellshill on schemes will continue to unlock opportunities for freight opera- 4 March, highlighted the buoyant market for rail freight in tors across the country. Scotland, and the opportunities for further growth. “These benefits would be increased even further with the full Opening the conference, Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Sec- electrification of end to end rail freight routes between Scotland retary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity at Scottish and England, with the Department for Transport also needing to Government said, ‘I cannot stress enough the opportunity for rail play its part.” freight in the current environment’. Noting rail freight’s key role in low carbon logistics, Matheson also noted the case for further Maggie Simpson, RFG Director General said: ‘In Scotland, and electrification and Scottish Government’s commitment to decar- across the country, our customers are keen to move more of their bonising the transport network. goods by rail. It is great to see the ongoing support from Scottish Government which is helping to convert this into additional trains Conference delegates also heard of Network Rail’s progress on on the network.’ delivering rail freight growth in Scotland, and of the progress on new rail schemes including the Mossend International Rail Park She added ‘Modal shift to rail is already helping reduce transport and Highland Spring’s terminal at Blackford. emissions, and we support the Minister’s aims to decarbonise the sector through a greater use of electric traction, including on Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastruc- our cross border services’. ture and Connectivity said: “This Scottish Government strongly supports the rail freight industry with significant investment in our Read the full meeting report over the page. railways. Our innovative regulatory freight growth target is aimed

Funding awarded to move freight from road to rail The Scottish Government has allocat- ed £1.49m to Tarmac in a Freight Facil- ities Grant.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infra- structure and Connectivity Michael Mathe- son announced the funding at the Rail Freight Group’s Annual Scottish Confer- ence 2020.

The fund, which is open to companies looking to move freight by the more sustainable modes of rail or water instead of road, will be used towards expanding rail operations at Tarmac’s Dunbar cement plant. sive, safe and accessible transport system “We’re delighted to receive this funding where our businesses make sustainable from Transport Scotland which supports Mr Matheson said: “I am delighted to choices to support the reliable delivery of our commitment to developing our rail award £1.49m of funding from our Freight goods and services. offering, reducing carbon emissions and Facilities Grant to Tarmac towards ex- improving air quality. panding its Dunbar facility. Tarmac is a “That is why we are leading the way in key user of rail and strong advocate for support for rail freight with clear policy “The enhanced rail distribution capabilities the industry. support, innovative regulatory targets to at our Dunbar cement plant will support encourage growth and backing this with our commitment to transporting as much “This award is the first Freight Facilities general investment and specific funding. product as possible on the rail network Grant for rail for a number of years and Our dedicated £25 million Rail Freight and not the roads, providing essential con- will help ensure that rail remains the key Fund and our Mode Shift Grant support struction materials to infrastructure pro- mode of transport for much of Tarmac’s schemes, which include the Freight Facili- jects both within Scotland and beyond.” operations. • ties Grant, will help to unlock opportunities for rail freight across the country.” “The recently published National Trans- port Strategy sets out the Scottish Gov- Chris Swan, Head of Rail, Tarmac added: ernment’s vision for a sustainable, inclu- 8 SCOTTISH CONFERENCE

RFG Scottish Conference 2020: Meeting report

RFG’s annual Scottish Conference highlighted the buoy- Andy Saunders, Delivery Director, FNPO at Network Rail, said ant market for rail freight in Scotland. Supporting growth of a new Scotland stakeholder engagement and meeting structure rail freight fits with the climate emergency agenda, Michael has been set up to help support the growth of rail freight by look- Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastruc- ing at strategy, collaboration and “doing things differently”. He ture and Connectivity at Scottish Government, told dele- highlighted work which was underway to support freight and fu- gates at RFG’s annual Scottish Conference on 4 March. ture plans to drive growth.

“This Scottish Government strongly supports the rail freight in- Alastair Dalton, Transport Correspondent of the Scotsman ex- dustry with significant investment in our railways. Our innovative plained that while the railways were under intense scrutiny by the regulatory freight growth target is aimed at securing new markets media, “rail freight was seen as a bit of a niche area”. He urged and making use of rail attractive to businesses across Scotland. attendees to send him story ideas to help raise the visibility of the sector. “We have also given a clear commitment to decarbonise Scot- land’s passenger services by 2035 and this includes a rolling Natural source bottled water producer Highland Spring Group is programme of efficient electrification. In addition, our dedicat- establishing a rail link to its bottling plant in Blackford. Morwen ed £25m Rail Freight Fund and our Mode Shift Grant support Mands from Highland Spring Group explained that going through schemes will continue to unlock opportunities for freight opera- Network Rail’s GRIP process was “quite daunting” but working tors across the country.” with the Russell Group, they built up a good collaboration with Network Rail and Transport Scotland which was vital to the suc- PD Stirling is in the process of building a new 200 acre inter- cess of the project and making sure the rail terminal was built modal hub – the Mossend International Railfreight Park – next right first time. The facility will open in Q2 2021, removing 8,000 to its existing 100 acre railhead. David Stirling and David Cross truck movements and saving 3,200 tonnes of CO2 per year, said explained that the new site, due to open in 2021, will have eight Ken Russell. 800m tracks with electric gantries and they anticipate services will run the length of the country to the main seaports and to other Dan Kong said Opinsta was working in the passenger sector, European countries and maybe even Heathrow. providing apps such as defect reporting, and they were keen to ask the rail freight sector what it needs. It could adapt a current product or build one from scratch. He said it was very important to understand the language and mindset of the frontline staff in order to get the very important ‘buy-in’ of the users.

The last speaker, Jane Mason explained that EWS Educational Trust helps support students who have a close family link to the rail freight sector. The majority of grants, of about £2000 a year, go to undergraduates but there are also other granted related to special access as well as sporting and artistic studies.

Thanks very much to all the speakers for their time and to PD Stirling for their support of the event and providing the afternoon tour. •

Maggie Simpson presents a leaving gift to David Spaven and thanked him for all his work on behalf of the RFG and rail freight sector in Scotland. 9 RFG Sponsor Partners 2020 Please join us in welcoming our Sponsor Partners for this year

The Rail Freight Group is delighted to announce its Commenting on the importance of the Sponsor Partner Sponsor Partners for 2020. Each of the companies relationship, Maggie Simpson, Director-General, said: involved comes from within the RFG membership “The support of our Sponsor Partners is vital to the work of and has chosen to provide additional support for the the Rail Freight Group and our annual calendar of indus- Group’s activities and events throughout the year. try-leading events. We look forward to working with them all and invite everyone to visit their websites below and Together they represent a wide range of key stakeholders learn more about their respective fields and expertise.” and RFG would like to thank all of them for their commitment to the Group and ongoing support for the UK rail freight sector.

PD Ports is one of the UK’s major port groups with a reputation for excellence gained from decades of experience and a highly skilled workforce. With headquarters in the north of England, PD Ports operates from locations across the UK. Teesport, owned and operated by PD Ports, has rail connections to Felixstowe and Scotland calling at its onsite intermodal rail terminal.

An integral part of Malcolm Logistics, Malcolm Rail offers daily round trip Anglo-Scottish services between DIRFT, Mossend and Grangemouth. Our three terminals offer secure loaded and empty container storage. Our road and rail services offer totally integrated supply chain solutions including over five million sq ft of warehousing which is largely bonded and rail connected. More

DB Cargo UK is the country’s largest rail freight operator. We operate trains which deliver everything from construction materials to build houses to finished vehicles; we transport bulk materials and containerised goods to support manufacturing and retail supply chain across the UK. We also deliver services to maintain the rail infrastructure network throughout the UK. More

Touax Rail Ltd is the second largest lessor of intermodal railcars in Europe, which currently manages a varied range of more than 10 500 wagons/platforms, such as intermodal, car- and coil – carrying, sliding wall wagons, hopper and powder railcars for transporting heavy goods. More.

One of the UK’s leading ports group, Associated British Ports (ABP) owns and operates 21 ports in England, Scotland, and Wales, and handles around a quarter of the country’s sea- borne trade. ABP’s 21 ports, together with the other transport-related businesses that constitute the ABP group, form a UK-wide network capable of handling every conceivable type of cargo. More

As well as being the largest container port in the UK, handling in excess of 4m TEU annually, the Port of Felixstowe is also the country’s largest intermodal rail freight terminal offering more intermodal rail services, to more inland destinations, than any other UK port. Sixty-six freight train movements per day are handled at the Port’s three intermodal terminals with over 1m TEU passing through the facility in 2017. More. 10 Victa Railfreight provides a wide range of operational & logistics services to rail freight operators, customers and suppliers. We hold a UK wide Freight Train Operators Licence specifically aimed at achieving efficiencies and providing new business opportunities in collaboration with other freight operating companies. More.

Maritime Transport is here to support and streamline your supply chain. Approach us to help you with your challenges, with years of experience and one of the largest and most diverse operations in the UK we are confident there is no problem we cannot solve – however large or small. More.

VTG Rail is the UK’s leading rail wagon leasing organisation, pio- neering innovation in rail freight rolling stock, setting the standard for customer service and the leading the development of industry standards. As part of VTG AG, Europe’s leading wagon hire and rail logistics company, it has substantial experience and resources underpinning its UK operations.

Frazer-Nash is a leading systems and engineering technology company. We understand the challenges facing the rail freight sector, and deliver technical solutions that enable freight organisations to overcome their most difficult problems. Our consult- ants help to develop, enhance and protect your critical assets, systems and processes – from information and people, to terminals, rolling stock and the environment. More.

Porterbrook Leasing Company specialises in the leasing of all types of railway rolling stock and associated equipment. By providing freight and train operating companies with modern rolling stock they can be assured of high standards of reliability and performance from their fleets. Passengers can also benefit from comfortable services and the latest technology. More.

Colas Rail is one of Europe’s leading suppliers of railway infrastructure services, constructing and renewing all forms of railways across Europe and the UK. Our aim is to be the partner of choice for all aspects of rail infrastructure solutions by leading by our values. We already have an impressive portfolio of award winning work. The size and strength of our capabilities means we can deliver truly integrated solutions. More.

Forth Ports is a dynamic UK-based multimodal ports owner and operator. Our ports are strategically positioned and serve as logistical gateways across the UK. We offer businesses a wide range of diverse, port-related services, and help connect the UK with Europe and the rest of the world. More.

Rail Freight Services (RFS) is the premier integrated service provider of material handling and movement solutions for the rail, marine and construction sectors within the UK and across Europe. For loading, unloading, lifting or transporting bulk, containerised or loose materials, RFS offers a total-service solution to its customers, which includes operating customer terminals, road transport and on-site material movement. More.

Freightliner, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W), is an established award-winning rail freight haulier, operating across the UK, Continental Europe and the Middle East. Offer- ing customers a wide range of rail freight solutions to cater for the requirements of a diverse market sector, Freightliner provides a safe, reliable and cost-effective rail freight partnership. More.

11 RFG News Mar 2020

is seeing significant activity right now and we anticipate 2020 to DC Rail and VTG Rail agree be a positive year for rail freight as more companies look to shift material away from the roads and onto rail.” 100 new box wagons He went on to say: “These brand new, high-specification box VTG Rail UK has agreed to supply the Cappagh Group of wagons are optimised for the construction sector and are fitted Companies with 100 new box wagons for the movement of with integrated brakes and track-friendly bogies. This means construction materials. DCRail, the Cappagh Group’s rail there is no vulnerable, and often less efficient, frame-mounted freight operating company, is already using the first batch brake cylinders or rigging. This also helps us to implement our of wagons to convey recycled aggregates. ‘bogie exchange’ maintenance regime which, using our float of spare bogies, minimises wagon downtime and maximises avail- The new wagons have been designed specifically to optimise the ability for our customers. As with all new VTG wagons, this fleet movement of aggregates and construction spoil, with a design is fitted with our Connect GPS tracking system, allowing their that maximises durability with a minimum tare weight. The design location and condition to be monitored in real time. This pur- allows more material to be carried by each train and further im- pose-designed system gives VTG and its customers a number proves the environmental performance of rail transport. Design of significant advantages in areas such as maintenance planning features in the new wagons include a high impact floor that will and resource utilisation.” reduce the risk of unloading damage and an integrated compact bogie braking system that minimises maintenance down time. David Fletcher, Director - Rail, Cappagh Group, added: “This is a hugely exciting time for DCRail. In 2020 we will complete the The wagons are key to providing efficient rail services for DCRail delivery of our fleet of Class 60 locomotives and construction customers including those that will use a new freight hub being work at the new North London freight hub is now underway. The developed near Wembley in North London. With the capability to Cappagh aquamarine blue livery is being seen across the coun- handle trains conveying over 2,200 tonnes of material, the new try and we are very pleased with the support provided by VTG on hub is set to become one of the most efficient rail terminals in the this project. The innovations in wagon design and expected high Capital. The use of rail will reduce the environmental impact of availability will allow DCRail to meet the demand for efficient rail construction supply chains with each train carrying the equiva- solutions for the construction industry. Since the introduction of lent of 110 lorry loads and saving significant CO2 emissions per the first batch of wagons payload on DCRail services has already tonne. been increased by 15% and we look forward to further increasing the amount of freight moved by rail.” • Ian Shaw, Sales & Marketing Director, VTG Rail UK, said: “We are delighted to be working on this project and look forward to seeing all the new wagons in operation. The construction sector

standing of the exciting opportuni- make them great candidates for a GBRf holds ties available for a railway career career with us.” and how the military skill set trans- recruitment day fers to the sector. Rail Minister Chris Heaton Harris for military MP said: “Every part of society Around 30 attendees heard from should honour the debt we owe service leavers the GBRf team and other service those who’ve served our country. leavers who have successfully Getting our veterans into quality On 12 February, GB Railfreight made the transition, while also jobs in our rail sector not only pro- (GBRf), in partnership with the learning about current and future vides security for them and their Ministry of Defence’s Career opportunities. They then took part families but boosts the economy Transition Partnership (CTP), in a test drive using one of the fa- of global Britain. I’m proud that this held their first recruitment day cility’s simulators. Government recently announced specifically for military service a new Veteran’s railcard, extend- leavers at its newly opened lo- John Smith, MD of GBRf, said: “We ing discounted fares to more than comotive simulator facility in are on a recruitment drive for new 830,000 former service personnel, Peterborough. people to join our growing team and delighted that GB Railfreight, across the country and the skill set and the wider rail industry, is doing The day provided a broad under- that military service leavers have its bit.” • 12 RFG News Mar 2020

Pictured left to right: Jonathan Hamer, Finance Director of WH Davis; Stewart Greenwood, MD of WH Davis; Nigel Day, Engi- neering Director, VTG Rail UK and Rob Brook, Head of VTG Rail UK at VTG’s offices in Birmingham.

VTG Rail UK and WH Davis to build 84 new Ecofret triple wagon sets

VTG Rail UK has signed an agreement range of GPS-based tracking and moni- up to 61 tonnes. with WH Davis to build 84 new Ecof- toring services ” ret2® triple container wagons. The first Ecofret wagons were launched The new wagons will be built at WH Da- into UK service back in 2012 following a Now incorporating a brand new, track vis’ Shirebrook site in the East Midlands. major investment in the design and devel- friendly bogie with enhanced dynamic Les Bryant, Group Business Development opment of this ground breaking design by ride performance and additional mount- Director, said: “WH Davis are extremely VTG. Provided in both triple and twin con- ing points for increased loading flexibility, pleased and proud to have been award- figurations, Ecofret has been running with Ecofret2®is the latest innovation in mar- ed this prestigious contract by VTG Rail most of the major UK FOCs for the last itime container transport and a revolu- against stiff European competition. It will seven years and is now an indispensable tionary addition to VTG Rail’s fleet. The ensure the strong tradition of rail freight part of the UK’s intermodal scene. original Ecofret® was a game-changer wagon building by WH Davis in the UK in encouraging modal shift and the new continues, and we look forward to working Nigel Day, Engineering Director at VTG design goes even further to maximise the with our valued customer VTG Rail on this Rail UK, added: “The wagons avoid the benefits for freight operating companies. project.” need for empty spaces which are so often seen on trains made up of 60ft deck length Ian Shaw, Sales & Marketing Director, Rob Brook, Head of Rail UK for the VTG container flats carrying a single 40ft box. VTG Rail, said: “Rail freight is becoming Group, added: “VTG is excited to be in- These empty spaces are wasteful and an increasingly attractive option for ship- vesting in the next generation of contain- create considerable turbulence when run- pers and big retailers who are looking to er wagons for the growing UK intermod- ning at 75mph, which increases drag and move more goods inland from deep sea al market and we are looking forward to fuel consumption. Ecofret2® will be fitted ports as fast and as effectively as possi- using them to deliver the highest level of with a brand new bogie incorporating rubble. As the size of container vessels in- service to our customers. As a leader in ber suspension components and hydrau- creases, the need at the port to get boxes innovation we have made further signifi- lic damping giving an improved dynamic away and moving has never been more cant investments in the Ecofret design en- ride which will meet the requirements of pressing. That’s where the Ecofret2® suring that the new Ecofret2® wagon will emerging rail regulations. It will also fea- comes in. bring even greater in-service benefits than ture additional container mounting points its ground-breaking predecessor.” on the outer platforms meaning that either “In order to handle the larger 40ft con- two 20ft or one 40ft box can be carried on tainers in the most efficient way, we have Thinking outside the box all platforms giving maximum loading flex- needed to continually innovate and think VTG originally named its close-coupled, ibility to customers.” outside the box. Ecofret2® builds on the multiple-platform, container wagon sets efficiency benefits provided by the original Ecofret to highlight their green credentials. Ecofret since its introduction seven years Rail has a much lower carbon footprint ago, and will help rail freight operators than road and they maximise the number continue to meet shipper demand further of boxes that can be carried. On the orig- enhancing the business case for rail. As inal Ecofret design, the outer platforms with all new VTG wagons, Ecofret2® will could each carry one 40 ft container and be fitted with our ‘Connect’ telematics the inner platform can carry either one 40 system, allowing users to subscribe to a ft or two 20 ft containers, with payloads of 13 RFG News Mar 2020

laboration and increased team commitment,” said Appelbe. “The Freightliner & Pentalver constructive feedback from our female operational colleagues about what is important to them will help deliver further positive celebrate International changes to our diversity and inclusion approach so that we can continue to recruit more women into our industry.” Women’s Day 2020 Guest speaker, Network Rail’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion, On 5 March, women from across Genesee & Wyoming Inc. Loraine Martins outlined how Network Rail’s diversity and inclu- (G&W) subsidiaries, Freightliner and Pentalver, came to- sion strategy is positively impacting the rail industry with their gether to celebrate International Women’s day at their train- CP6 strategy ‘Everyone Matters’ delivering for both passengers ing hub in Birmingham. and employees.

Hosted by HR Director for G&W UK/Europe Region companies, Gary Long, CEO of G&W UK/Europe Region companies said: Glynis Appelbe, the day focused on diversity and inclusion, an “When we hire and promote talent that is diverse, we become area where the G&W UK companies are making steady pro- a smarter, better functioning and forward-thinking organisation.” gress. Attended by around 30 predominately frontline colleagues, including train and truck drivers, the event provided a valuable Tim Shakerley, Engineering & Operations Services Director for opportunity to gain their insight on how both companies can im- G&W UK/Europe Region companies, commenting on the void prove diversity and encourage more women into frontline roles between numbers of engineers entering the workforce versus the with G&W. number required, and the inevitable impact on lack of diversity, was quoted as saying, “I welcome more diversity in our UK Engi- “Research clearly demonstrates that diverse organisations per- neering team as I recognise that with diversity comes innovation, form better, leading to more discretionary effort, improved col- productivity and different ways of working.” •

Victa Peaks again Victa Railfreight, the Maidstone based provider of operational support services to the rail sector, has won another national award for its ground-breaking local rail operations at Dove Holes quarry in Derbyshire’s Peak District to follow on from similar success in 2019.

The company won the Rail Freight & Logistics Excellence cate- gory at the Rail Business Awards held in London.

Victa Railfreight began a long-term contract with Cemex for the terminal operations in June 2018 and since then there has been an increase in the volume of aggregates leaving the quarry with over 2.5m tonnes being loaded for rail movement to receiving sions, the increased use of rail for freight movements around depots around the UK for use in a wide range of construction pro- the UK is an obvious way of achieving significant environmental jects, such as house building and road improvements, in 2019. benefits and the sort of efficiencies achieved by our partnership The Victa team has also significantly improved performance of with Cemex has provided a model that can be replicated in many trains leaving the quarry with 99% of trains being presented for other locations to realise this”. right time departure in the last 12 months. Mark Grimshaw-Smith, Head of Rail & Sea for Cemex said: “I The contract employs 12 local staff who were recruited and am very proud that once again our successful collaboration with trained for both shunting and locomotive driving duties by Victa Victa and the improved performance that has resulted from their and provide operational cover twenty-four hours a day, six days innovative operational model has been recognised. Our aim at a week. Cemex is to continue to improve the safety of our rail operations and to be a responsible user of the network. We achieved record Neil Sime, MD of Victa Railfreight said “once again we have been rail volumes from Dove Holes in 2019 and have set ambitious successful in winning a national award that reflects the efforts of targets to further increase our rail tonnage going forward, with the Dove Holes team in achieving a significant improvement in the aim of lessening our environmental impact by reducing road performance whilst also increasing the volume of material move movements. I know Victa share the same vision and it is a pleas- by rail for Cemex. With increasing pressure on CO2 and emis- ure having them in our team”. • 14 RFG News Mar 2020

AV Dawson appoints tions, taking on a new role as head of these functions. Gary Dawson, AV Dawson managing director said “Charlie has director to focus on played a major role in the management of tenders and large contracts, as well as building our reputation in key growth areas such business growth strategy as aggregates and minerals, energy from waste, and renewable energy markets. He has been an important member of the senior Port and logistics specialist AV Dawson has strengthened management team, and contributor to a number of project teams its award-winning team with the appointment of a commer- developing future company strategy, as we have faced new eco- cial and marketing director. nomic challenges. I look forward to Charlie joining the board to help direct the company toward a successful future”. AV Dawson, which owns and operates a 100-acre port and logistics facility in Middlesbrough has promoted Charlie Nettle from Charlie Nettle said: “With such significant changes happening in his previous role as head of commercial and marketing into a global trade, changes in the political landscape and the emphasis new directorial position on the board to help drive forward the on the environmental agenda, this is such an exciting time to be business’ growth strategy. Making use of his strong links in the taking on this new role. While the port and logistics sectors fac- commercial and marketing sectors, Charlie has responsibility es plenty of challenges, there are also significant opportunities. for developing new markets and building long term sustainable AV Dawson has an enviable reputation in the port and logistics growth. sector, and I look forward to driving further growth and building strong relationships with our customers. The start of the year has Charlie joined the business in November 2015 with a remit to been incredibly busy, we have hit the ground running and 2020 is develop a marketing and communication function. Amongst his certainly looking like it will be an incredibly exciting year”. notable achievements in this role was the refinement, communication and integration of the company’s cores values across In addition to his directorship at AV Dawson Charlie will continue the business. The development in his knowledge of the freight in his roles as chair of the North East branch of CIM (Chartered and logistics industry led him to support commercial activities Institute of Marketing), vice chair of Middlesbrough and Stockton and build customer relationships. He has also been instrumen- Mind and secretary of the Tees and Hartlepool Port Users’ Asso- tal in establishing and subsequently developing and leading new ciation. • teams in both commercial, and in marketing and communica-

The new rail service will operate be- Chris Connelly, DRS’ Chief Operating DRS wins new tween six to eight times a week with Officer, said: “The introduction of this potential for expansion for up to 10 new rail service is an exciting addi- Ford deal services. tion to the DRS portfolio and reaffirms DRS’ ambition to introduce new busi- Direct Rail Services (DRS) has been Whilst the two terminals are non-elec- ness to complement our core nuclear awarded a new contract to operate trified the route has overhead lines mission.” Ford automotive rail services be- and DRS can use its state-of-the-art tween Dagenham and Garston. Class 88 locomotive for the entire Simon Willard, STVA UK General journey. The Class 88 is ideally suited Manager, added: “We are delighted to DRS will be working with automotive as it can use diesel power for the very be working with DRS and embarking transport specialist STVA UK to trans- start and end of its journey but the on what we hope will be a long-term port cars between the Ford factory in overhead lines for the vast majority partnership. I would like to thank all of Dagenham to their rail terminal just of the route, making it highly efficient the DRS team for their hard work and outside Liverpool. Carrying a mixture and great for the environment. commitment to the bid process and of double deck and single deck wag- for their enthusiasm”. • ons tailor made to transport vehicles. 15 operational performance. We heard from Hitachi Rail how the Rail Innovation Group organisation engages small suppliers as part of its product de- holds Liverpool meeting to velopment. Start-up companies were then invited to briefly introduce their promote rail growth product or service to the group who explored potential applications within the rail sector as well as how the product could be The Rail Innovation Group hosted the latest leg of their re- targeted to respond the incentives and challenges from various gional engagement programme, Start Up Rail, in Liverpool sections of the industry. on 18 February. Start Up Rail - Liverpool was the latest in the Group’s programme Partnering with Hitachi Rail, the Group welcomed local digital & of events for 2020, entitled, Unleashing UK Start Up Culture. start-up companies to hear from the wider rail industry on the Operators, infrastructure companies and existing suppliers are opportunities available for growth in the rail sector. invited to attend future events to see the innovations that are developing across the UK tech sector, many of which have a role in Attendees included representatives from Train Operating Com- rail’s modernisation. We are actively seeking partners of all sizes panies, Liverpool City Region, local business forums, large con- to deliver the series. sultancies, existing SME rail suppliers, as well as a selection of talented new start-up companies. Further events are arranged for: Sheffield - 24 March – in partnership with 3Squared The event included an information and discussion session cover- Glasgow – 2 April – in partnership with Hitachi Rail ing the structure of the rail sector and HS2, to the opportunities Manchester – 23rd April for small companies as part of the Rail Sector Deal, routes to market and support available from national organisations. Refer- More information at: www.startuprail.net ence was made to the published ambitions to decarbonise and Contact: [email protected] • digitise, as well as improvements to passenger experience and

HS2 uncovers world’s oldest rail roundhouse

HS2 Ltd has unearthed what is thought to be the world’s oldest railway roundhouse at the construction site of its Birmingham Curzon Street station, dating back to 1837.

The surviving remains include evidence of the base of the central turntable, the exterior wall and the radial inspection pits which surrounded it.

The 19th century station at Curzon Street is among the very earliest examples of mainline railway termini and the limited later development of the site means that any surviving remains of the early station represents a unique opportunity to investigate a major early railway terminus in its entirety. • RFG News Mar 2020 Porterbrook strengthens public affairs expertise Porterbrook has announced the appointment of James McGowan as its new Director of Public Affairs.

James brings more than 20 years of experience in politics and communications, most recently as transport policy advisor to the Shadow Transport Secretary, Andy McDonald. Prior to that, James was Head of Policy and Communications at rail union Aslef. Along with his deep expertise in the rail policy landscape, James has demonstrated his ability to communicate and engage with an array of stakeholders, including industry groups, MPs and regional administrations.

James will work alongside Rupert Brennan Brown, who takes up a new role as Porterbrook’s Director of Stakeholder Engage- ment. Together both James and Rupert will ensure that Porter- brook is attuned to the needs of stakeholders so the business can continue collaborating with customers and the supply chain to deliver a reliable and sustainable railway.

Mary Grant, CEO, said: “2020 is fast becoming a year of exciting change for the UK’s rail industry, and as a long-term strategic partner we are committed to playing our part and delivering for our customers. At this critical time, James will help us deepen our engagement with key decision makers across the political spectrum, on a national and regional level, ensuring that Porter- brook’s private finance and asset management model continues to serve the whole industry.”

terials moved on the rail network supports available, repurposed from their previous DB Cargo UK our underlying commitment to sustainabil- use to further support the site’s sustaina- ity across our whole business. bility efforts and look forward to having full runs first trains services up and running in the new year.” “The new facility at Washwood Heath is Tarmac is one of the UK’s largest users into Washwood a great example of the benefits of trans- of the rail freight network, transporting porting construction materials into a city around 9m tonnes every year. Heath for Tarmac centre location by rail freight. We’re able to support the efficient delivery of local DB Cargo UK has made its first deliv- infrastructure projects without increasing Trespass ery of aggregate to the site of a new HGV movements on the local road net- state-of-the-art asphalt facility under work, enabling us to lower the whole life Awareness Week construction by Tarmac, at Washwood carbon footprint of customer projects as Heath, Birmingham. well as reduce our transport CO2.” Network Rail has said it has received a lot of support for its Trespass Aware- The city centre plant, which will provide Tarmac’s new facility is due to be opera- ness Week which runs from 23 - 27 essential materials to support the ongo- tional in 2020 and will include recycling March. Balfour Beatty, JCB, Kier Con- ing delivery of infrastructure projects in technology to help local highways au- struction and Amey have all agreed to Birmingham and the wider region, is be- thorities recycle and re-use asphalt from support this important public message. ing entirely supplied by rail, resulting in a existing roads. It will also have the capa- significant reduction in HGV traffic on the bility to produce low temperature asphalts The Rail Minister is also looking to be ac- local road network. which can reduce the carbon footprint of tively involved and will hopefully attend a local road projects by 15 to 25 per cent live rail safety event. DB Cargo UK is utilising a newly-adapt- compared to traditional technology. ed fleet of wagons to transport aggre- Organisers are still keen for as many oth- gates from Tarmac’s Mountsorrel quarry Graeme Murray, DB Cargo UK account er industry leaders as possible to lend in Leicestershire to the site on previously manager, said: “We’re delighted to be support. The best way is to get your com- disused railway sidings. Converted from strengthening our relationship with Tar- pany name behind the #YouvsTrain mes- tradition ‘coal hoppers’, the new wagons mac by operating this new service, sup- sage and share the message across so- are among the most efficient transporting porting both the initial construction of the cial media platforms. construction materials in the country. site and the ongoing provision of materials for use in the asphalt plant. Find out more about how to get involved Chris Swan, Head of Rail at Tarmac, said: here. “Continually increasing the volume of ma- “We’re using the most efficient wagons 17 RFG Events Calendar 2020

28th Annual RFG Conference 2 April | Eversheds Sutherland, London

With proposed changes to the rail sector, ensure you are up to date on what reforms would mean for the freight industry. This annual conference for the rail freight community will provide you with the latest updates on the changes to the industry, as well as the opportunity to network with senior rail freight professionals. Attend to explore the biggest issues and the opportunities for the sectors, including a focus on devolution and decarbonisation.

• Explore proposed rail reforms including what these mean for the freight sector and how the industry can prepare • Hear from transport authorities on their plans for freight development and the impact of devolution on delivering projects • Understand how to respond to the 2040 decarbonisation targets including the impacts and innovation needed for infrastructure and fleet • 3+ hours of networking with senior rail freight professionals.

To register: Call 0207 067 1597, email or register online and quote booking code 398RFG.

Spring Group Meeting 13 May | Multimodal Birmingham NEC The RFG Spring Group Meeting will be held on Wednesday 13 May 2020. Full details will be announced in due course.

Multimodal Group Meeting 16 June | Multimodal Birmingham NEC RFG will be exhibiting at the Multimodal Exhibition 2020, as part of its usual Rail Freight Pavilion, on 16 to 18 June. The Group Meeting will be held on Tuesday 16 June. Awards Dinner 10 September | TBA The RFG Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday 10 September. Full details will be announced in due course. AGM and Annual Group Meeting 4 November | TBA The RFG’s AGM & Autumn Group Meeting will be held on Wednesday 4 November. Full details will be announced in due course. Christmas Lunch 2020 9 December | The Royal Lancaster London, Central London The RFG’s annual Christmas Lunch will be held on Wednesday 9 December 2020. Full details will be announced in due course. Please note that the event is extremely popular and usually sells out by the end of summer. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

To book your place at any of the RFG’s excellent events throughout the year, please email Phillippa O’Shea at [email protected] or visit our website www.rfg.org.uk/events for more details and to book. OPINION

A recent report for the Rail Freight Group found that an ambitious Big gaps in Scotland’s growth strategy for rail freight across Britain could generate between £75bn and £90bn in environmental and economic benefits new Transport Strategy over the coming decade. The study – ‘What level of ambition is achievable and worthwhile for rail freight?’ – highlighted how a By David Spaven, Scottish Representative, Rail Freight Group. new approach from national and local Governments, along with continued investment from the rail industry, could unlock growth. The new National Transport Strategy (NTS) for Scotland However, to achieve these benefits would require different pub- published earlier this month was greeted as a disappoint- lic funding and policy frameworks to those now in place: further ment and a wasted opportunity by organisations with par- targeted capital investment and revenue support (at relatively ticular concerns about the all-encompassing climate emer- modest levels in the context of Scottish Government expenditure gency. The Scottish Green Party warned that it ‘lacks any on climate change) and other complementary policies. Such an vision and commitment needed for an emergency response’ approach would encourage further significant private investment and Transport Spokesperson John Finnie MSP commented: in rail freight services and terminals. The report highlights seven ‘Transport emissions are playing a significant role in our key measures to unlock growth: climate and public health emergencies. This document may acknowledge that, but without any real strategy to lower • accelerated investment in the strategic rail freight them it is meaningless’. network • electrification of core routes to further improve rail’s Colin Howden, Director of Transform Scotland, the sustainable environmental benefits transport alliance, said: ‘Independent analysis by the Scottish • investment and support for new rail freight services Parliament demonstrates that the Government has systemati- • reform of planning law to support a greater uptake of rail cally favoured high-carbon over low-carbon infrastructure spend • increased grants to encourage uptake over the past decade, yet its current plans are to move further • mainstreaming rail freight in transport and industrial towards high-carbon spending.’ policy. • road pricing for lorries. That sense of disappointment is shared by the rail freight sector – indeed the NTS only superficially addresses the whole freight in- While capacity enhancements and electrification will require dustry. While climate change is frequently, and rightly, flagged up cross-Border co-operation between the Scottish and UK Gov- in many sections of the text (18 times), road freight is mentioned ernments (and road pricing would require UK-level action), the just twice, HGVs four times, shipping three times – and rail freight majority of the measures above lie within the gift of the Scottish not at all in the 61-page document. The omission of rail freight is Government. all the more surprising in light of the Scottish Government’s ‘High Level Output Statement’ published in 2017 which set a target of As the NTS states: ‘freight is important to the success of our a 7.5% increase in rail freight for the period 2019-24. economy, but we must ensure that the negative impacts generat- ed by the movement of goods vehicles are tackled.’ We can only There is clearly insufficient awareness within the Scottish Gov- hope that in the forthcoming ‘Strategic Transport Projects Review ernment of the important contribution rail freight can make – in 2’ there will be properly acknowledgement of rail freight’s role in both the short and long term – to delivering policy objectives, for tackling these negative impacts (in particular the climate emer- example through cutting CO2 emissions by up to 76 per cent gency), as well as its potential to contribute significantly to the compared to road haulage, even where road collection and deliv- achievement of other strategic policy aims for future Scotland. ery legs are required at either end of the rail trunk haul. Switch- ing freight from road to rail can offer a ‘quick win’, as it involves The big symbolic test of the Scottish Government’s commitment performing the same activity for less carbon, rather than trying to to change will be whether it continues to back the £6,000 million+ doing things completely differently (often relying on untried tech- dualling of the A9 and A96 roads linking Inverness with Perth and nological solutions), as is often the climate change prescription Aberdeen – or finally admits that the parallel, largely single-track, in other sectors. inter-city railways desperately need to be brought into the 21st century. • Other policy benefits of modal switch from road to rail include: reduced road congestion; improved road safety; less damage to trunk road surfaces; and helping to minimise the economic consequences of driver shortages in the road haulage industry. OPINION

Why Scots businesses from the EU, on February 1. I was a member of the Scottish Government-led capacity building need to be clued up on delegation which recently visited Geneva to meet WTO officials and UK diplomatic staff who engage with them, to learn first-hand WTO rules the workings of the body and how to engage with it.

By Nei Amner, Anderson Strathern LLP. In the coming months, the UK will seek to negotiate a future trad- ing relationship with the EU and other nations. This will not be a Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the Unit- simple “cut and paste” replication of existing free trade agree- ed States, once said “No nation was ever ruined by trade”. ments with the EU. Whilst that may be so, the current US President’s choice of leverage in a trade dispute over subsidies to Airbus is caus- How existing EU-wide quotas, allowed under WTO rules for aging financial distress to Scottish businesses in sectors un- ricultural products, are to be dealt with in the future is a tricky connected to the civil aviation market. issue. New Zealand lamb is a case in point – what percentage of the EU total should the UK take? Should future EU and UK totals President Trump has imposed a 25 per cent tariff on imports of exceed the existing EU figure? Does even a generous UK figure whisky and biscuits to the US from the Airbus consortium nations really restrict New Zealand to EU flexibility in the future? and has threatened to raise that to 100 per cent from April. Whatever the final UK-EU position on “divergence” of law and The relevance of the biscuit tariff is not as immediately obvious “level playing field” regulation, devolved administrations within for us here in Scotland as the whisky tariff, but far and away the the UK as well as the UK Government will need to be mindful biggest biscuit import from the EU to the US is shortbread – the of whether or not future legislation here is compliant with WTO biggest export market for that product. The current tariff is dam- rules. aging profits, but a fourfold increase will threaten jobs. Unlike the EU, individual citizens or companies do not have a What is most surprising is that those tariffs have been sanctioned right to bring a dispute before the WTO. That is the preserve of under the disputes process of the World Trade Organisation member states. Nonetheless, one of the key messages I took (WTO). from the visit to Geneva was there is an opportunity and a need for individual businesses and trade organisations to engage with Established in 1995 and based in Geneva, the WTO is the only the WTO process with our own government and in Geneva. To do international organisation dealing with the global rules of trade. so needs professional advisors both at home and in Geneva who Its main function is to ensure trade flows as smoothly, predictably understand not only the WTO rules but also how the system op- and freely as possible. The 30,000-plus pages of treaties and erates. In many ways that is no different to domestic commercial associated commitments by governments which make up WTO law or parliamentary work. The stakes and thus the necessary rules include provisions on subsidies and public procurement. It leverage, however, may not be for the faint-hearted. has rule-making, monitoring and dispute settlement functions. There are also emerging subsidiary agreements between groups Neil Amner is Brexit Lead at Anderson Strathern LLP, an interna- of member countries on topics such as e-commerce, domestic tional trade support partner of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce regulations and investments. First appeared in The Herald. • Although not part of the UN family of bodies, the WTO does have near-global membership, including China (since 2001) and Rus- sia (since 2012). The UK took its own seat at the WTO, separate

Midlands Rail Hub closer to reality Midlands Connect’s flagship Midlands Rail Hub plans have been awarded £20m in the Chancellor’s Budget, taking the £2bn pack- age of improvements to rail services to the next stage of development, and closer to delivery.

The Midlands Rail Hub can now move to the next stage of development, an Outline Business Case (OBC), which will include detailed design, planning and costings.

Midlands Connect chairman Sir John Peace said: “This funding pledge is a firm vote of confi- dence from the Government that it is committed to delivering the Midlands Rail Hub, an investment that will spearhead an infrastructure revo- lution and level up the economy.”

20 OPINION

emit over five-year periods. From 2018 to 2022 this is 2,544 mil- The importance of lion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2e). HGVs alone made up 16 per cent of the UK’s domestic transport greenhouse creating a modal shift gas emissions in 2017. The 20.8 million tonnes of CO2 from HGVs would be slashed to just 4.85 MtCO2e if all HGV traffic from road and air to rail switched to rail – saving 81.5 MtCO2e over this carbon budget.

By Joe O’Donnell, Head of Policy, Rail Freight Group. The EU’s Green Deal, announced in December 2019, recognises rail freight’s potential role in reducing emissions, and proposes For our ‘Improving Rail’s Environmental Impact’ series, Joe that ‘as matter of priority, a substantial part of the 75 per cent O’Donnell, Head of Policy at the Rail Freight Group (RFG) of inland freight carried today by road should shift onto rail and explores the role of rail freight in achieving the UK’s decar- inland waterways. This will require measures to manage better, bonisation aims and whether it’s full potential can ever truly and to increase the capacity of railways and inland waterways, be taken advantage of. which the European Commission will propose by 2021’.

2020 feels like a pivotal moment as time runs out to deal with the Sadly, for the rail freight industry, and the environment, this level climate emergency. Already this year we have witnessed the im- of modal shift has yet to be proposed in the UK. The main barrier pact of climate breakdown – from Australian bush fires to repeat- to a massive increase in UK rail freight is the limited number of ed severe flooding in the UK after many rivers saw their highest paths available for freight use on a congested rail system where ever levels. there is also increasing demand for passenger services. The Rail Freight Group (RFG) warmly welcomed the UK Government’s Although I wouldn’t normally call myself a millennial, I have fol- decision to proceed with HS2 which has the potential to release lowed the millennial trend for increasing climate awareness. Gre- capacity for new freight services on the existing network. The ta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough, amongst others, have benefits for freight in HS2 and other schemes such as East West inspired me to change from oblivious consumer to doing all I can Rail must be realised if modal shift to rail freight has any chance for the planet. I try to live plastic free, eat much less meat, buy of continuing to help reduce CO2e emissions. new items only when really necessary, avoid flying and have serious reservations about having children. Currently, the UK rail industry is focused on reducing emissions through traction decarbonisation. This is likely to see substantial But enough of the world’s developed population is unlikely to electrification programmes which will reduce the carbon emis- make similar changes to enable society to reach net zero. A key sions of rail freight still further. Yet work to encourage modal shift reason for my move into the rail freight sector earlier in 2020 was is not routinely looked at from a decarbonisation perspective. to play a small part in the huge structural changes that the UK Given the 75 per cent emission savings to be made from modal needs to reach net zero and avoid the worst of climate break- shift from road to rail, perhaps schemes to increase capacity for down. rail freight should be a higher priority? Just a 10 per cent modal shift of HGV traffic to rail will reduce as much annual CO2e as the Significant potential to reduce carbon emissions entire rail industry contributes. Modal shift from road and air to rail has significant potential to help reduce carbon emissions. Having previously worked in the Electrification heritage sector, it struck me that just over 100 years ago rail The RFG was one of several organisations which recently wrote freight, combined with canals, costal shipping and final mile end to the Minister of State for Transport, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, journeys, had supplied all the UK’s freight demands. suggesting electrification of gaps in the network to enable electric freight trains to be run over long distances. The Minister replied Obviously, the world, and the UK, have seen major changes that not only was his department working with Network Rail on since then. Population has increased, consumer consumption its Traction Decarbonisation Network Strategy, but that the de- has massively increased, and lots of rail infrastructure has been partment’s forthcoming Transport Decarbonisation Plan is ‘the lost to redevelopment or closure. These factors have resulted in biggest piece of work we have ever done on decarbonising trans- a massive rise in carbon emissions which has subsequently been port’. The Minister stated that the plan would put ‘transport on repeated by other less industrialised economies. a path to delivering its contributions to carbon budgets and net zero’. There has been very slow movement to try to tackle this. But whilst data from 2014 to 2017 suggested that global annual emis- It is perhaps unlikely that the Transport Decarbonisation plan sions of CO2 had roughly stabilised, data from the Global Car- will match the EU Green Deal’s proposal for 75 per cent modal bon Project reported a further annual increase of 2.7 per cent, shift to rail. However, a clear indication of what the government and 0.6 per cent in 2018 and 2019, respectively. There is a huge expects the freight modal mix to be in 2050 will be extremely amount of work left to do. useful for understanding what demands will be placed on the rail network and to drive product development and investment by In the UK, transport was the largest emitting sector of green- the freight operating companies. house gas emissions in 2018 at 28 per cent of the total. This is just a three per cent fall since 1990. Yet rail as a whole is a Risks in modal shift to rail low-carbon transport mode, comprising just 2.4 per cent of total While there appears to be a momentum behind modal shift to transport emissions. The statistics are impressive. Rail freight rail, there are risks. Some in the sector have suggested that road emits just 25 per cent of the CO2e (gases with global warming freight will decarbonise more quickly than expected, enabling net potential) of road freight for the equivalent journey and, in 2017, zero targets to be met without needing government investment rail freight removed 8.2 million equivalent road journeys. in electrification or infrastructure to increase rail freight capacity. No government wants to spend money unnecessarily. But this So why not just move all medium- and long-distance freight onto approach would be a risk for the government as well. It is far from rail to instantaneously save 75 per cent of carbon emissions? clear that a clean technology will be found for HGVs. What difference would this make? The government sets carbon budgets to restrict how much greenhouse gas the UK can legally Continued over the page. 21 OPINION

Especially if the EU’s investment and research focus is on modal the carbon reduction benefits of modal shift will play in reach- shift to rail freight. Similarly, HGV drivers are significantly older ing net zero remains undefined. Whatever happens, the next few than the wider population which is likely to lead to increasing decades will transform rail freight. The RFG will continue working shortages. Leave it too close to 2050 and there won’t be the time to ensure that this future is as bright as possible for our members. left to make the investment needed to increase rail freight’s role. Article first appeared in Global Railway Review. • Having recently joined the sector I have approached these issues with fresh eyes. It is heartening to see the sector and government taking decarbonisation so seriously. Nevertheless, the role that

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23 GUEST ARTICLE

His research, which he is undertaking at Lancaster University, EWS Educational Trust focuses on the use of single use plastics in agriculture and how this can be reduced. He is doing this with his industrial partner, The Exceptional Waitrose.

Contribution Award His first chapter of his PhD includes a first of its kind study to determine the concentration of microplastics in agricultural soils Supporting exceptional across the UK. His second will compare the current use of plastics to a scenario where no plastic is used in the agricultural ambitions sector. This will determine the importance of plastic use in UK agriculture and the environmental effects of doing so under each The EWS Educational Trust is seeking applications for its scenario. Both chapters will help form the focus of his research Exceptional Contribution Award from individuals with close in the following years. family ties to the rail freight industry. Applicants must be working or about to start work on PhD or Doctorate level Samuel heard about the EWS Educational Trust through his study in a field to benefit others and would welcome ‘signif- father while studying for his BSc in Physical Geography at icant’ financial support to help them succeed. Lancaster University. It was thanks to his father’s career in rail freight as a train driver for DB Cargo that Samuel was able to The Exceptional Contribution Award was created by the EWS meet a key element of the Trust’s criteria for consideration. Educational Trust to help unlock the potential of people who are working towards the development of something truly extraordi- Samuel completed his dissertation at Lancaster in partnership nary for the greater good. with the Lake District National Park and continued to study at Lancaster for his MSc in Environmental Management, producing The ideal applicant is likely to be involved in, but not limited to, his dissertation in partnership with Natural England. the fields of medical, scientific or engineering advancement and is anticipated to be in doctorate or post-doctoral research. The He is very grateful for the Trust’s awards. He said: “The financial Exceptional Contribution award goes to a small number of peo- support given me by the Trust is invaluable. Without it I would ple each year and the level of grant potentially available is signif- not have had access to the opportunities I have been granted icantly higher than the usual grants maximum. over my past five years at university. It has taken the stress of the financial burden of university away from me, allowing me to The main qualifying criterion is that the applicant must have a concentrate fully on my studies. close family, or a direct link to the UK’s pre-or post-privatisation rail freight industry. “It has also granted me access to equipment and field trips to study centres, which have helped me develop my knowledge in Close family includes a parent, step-parent, grandparent, spouse, my field of research. This year it has enabled me to take part in a partner or civil partner who worked or works for a UK rail freight conference based in Cambridge with the British Antarctic Survey company. (BAS) to discuss the problems that microplastics cause in our environment. These include, for example, Colas Railfreight, DB Cargo (UK), DB Schenker, DRS, Freightliner, GB Railfreight, or British Rail’s “I would urge any other prospective student to apply for the EWS freight organisations, for example, Trainload Freight, Loadhaul, Educational Trust as it has been incredibly beneficial for myself Mainline Freight, Transrail, Railfreight Distribution, English Welsh and my brother, who has also been a successful applicant to the and Scottish Railways and so on. Trust.” • Anyone meeting the criteria who believes they qualify and would like to be considered for an Exceptional Contribution Award should get in touch with the Trust through its website: www.ewseducationaltrust.co.uk

The deadline for Exceptional Contribution applications is 31 March 2020.

For information on how to apply and on our other grants, visit our website www.ewseducationaltrust.co.uk

EWS Educational Trust grants are funded from money donated to the Trust in 2009 following the sale of English Welsh and Scot- tish Railways.

CASE STUDY: Samuel Cusworth

EWS Educational Trust Exceptional Contribution Award

Samuel Cusworth [pictured] has been supported by the EWS Educational Trust throughout his last five years in university, cul- minating in the receipt in 2019 of the Trust’s Exceptional Con- tribution Award for his PhD, which is in Environmental Science.

24 PLANNING UPDATE

New DCO application Planning Update Portishead Branch Line – MetroWest Phase 1 A new DCO application was made by North Somerset Dis- By Elizabeth Dunn, Partner and trict Council for the Portishead Branch Line, which forms part Stephen Humphreys, Solicitor, Burges Salmon. of the larger £116m MetroWest Phase 1 Scheme. The DCO application was accepted for examination by the Planning It’s probably too late in the year to say this, but Hap- Inspectorate on 12 December 2019. py New Year to everyone reading this at the RFG. 2020 looks set to be another busy year in infrastructure devel- The MetroWest Phase 1 Scheme will provide an hourly (or opment and all eyes are peeled on the new Chancellor’s hourly plus) railway service between Portishead and Bristol budget (set for 11 March) to see what firm commitments Temple Meads, with stops at Portishead, Pill, Parson Street the Government is going to make to long-term infra- and Bedminster. Part of the scheme falls under the definition structure spending. The Queen’s Speech again outlined of an NSIP as it includes the construction of a railway over a commitment to £100bn spending on infrastructure (al- 2km in length, and therefore that part of the scheme requires though it’s not clear whether this figure includes money a DCO. The DCO will cover the rebuilding of part of the dis- committed to HS2). The Development Consent Order used branch line between Portishead and Pill. Associated (DCO) world continues to be busy with road and ener- development to the scheme will include the construction of gy schemes dominating the list. There’s also the small a new station and car park at Portishead and a refurbished matter of the Heathrow expansion; the application is statement and new car-park at Pill and Ashton junction. set to be submitted at the end of 2020 though that will depend on the result of the current legal challenge (or It is worth noting that part of the line is currently used for rail any further challenges to it) … and there is now also the freight going to Portbury Dock. In the Transport Assessment prospect of a new bridge between Scotland and North- submitted with the scheme, it provides that the scheme will ern Ireland. result in freight trains sharing the line with passenger trains between Parson Street Junction and the proposed new Pill HS2 Junction once the scheme is operational and a timetabling Following the publication of the Oakervee Review on 11 assessment has been undertaken to demonstrate this. The February 2020 the government reconfirmed that HS2 would promoter provides that the scheme has been designed such proceed, with construction for Phase 1 of the scheme (from that there will be no adverse impacts on rail freight operation. London to Birmingham) set to begin in April. The Review During construction concerns have been raised that freight described the net cost of HS2 to the transport budget as now will need to be displaced to HGV though it is not clear how standing at around £62bn to £69bn. long this will last and what proposed mitigation will be em- ployed to offset any impacts. The Oakervee Review strongly advised against cancelling HS2, concluding that the original rationale for HS2 continues Other DCO Updates to be relevant as there is still a need for greater capacity and A30 Chiverton to Carland Cross DCO granted reliability on the GB rail network as a whole, and there is cur- On 6 February 2020 the Secretary of State approved the rently no alternative network investments available to be put latest DCO decision, for a 14km section of new A30 dual car- into construction if HS2 were to be cancelled. Furthermore, riageway in Cornwall between Chiverton and Carland Cross; cancelling HS2 would cause serious consequences for the a scheme which we advised the promoter on. This is the first supply chain, the fragile UK Construction industry and confi- DCO to be made this year, and the first one to be made on dence in UK infrastructure planning (with an eye, presuma- time after six delays in a row on other DCO proposals. bly, on the post-Brexit landscape). In the Decision letter, the Secretary of State gave consid- The Review emphasised the need to push forward with both eration to the Proposed Development Assessment Report phases of the scheme, claiming that Phase 1 as a standalone (‘SAR’) which identified current congestion and traffic issues scheme ‘makes little sense’. The government announced it on the A30. The Secretary of State made particular refer- will revive legislation to deliver Phase 2a (Birmingham to ence to the SAR which assesses that the new development Crewe) as soon as possible so that preparation works can would decrease journey times by 40 – 50% for people travel- move forward, and that they are still committed to Phase 2b ling on the proposed new route. of the project. The government, informed by an assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission, will draw up an integrated plan for rail in the north of the country in order to deliver Northern Powerhouse Rail and Phase 2b of the scheme more effectively.

Phase 1 of the Scheme was due to open at the end of 2026, Contact: however, this looks as though it may be pushed back until 2028 – 2031. This will have a knock-on effect to the second phase of the scheme to Manchester and Leeds which has now been pushed back until 2035 – 2040. Elizabeth Dunn, Partner [email protected] In order to keep the HS2 spending under control, the Prime Minister announced that the government would appoint a Stephen Humphreys, Associate dedicated minister to the scheme, who would need to regu- stephen.humphreys@burges-salmon. larly report to Parliament on the schemes progress and who com would have specific oversight and accountability for HS2. Polls are open for who would put their name in the hat for www.burges-salmon.com this role! 25 WESTMINSTER UPDATE

envelope is set for Phase One with appropriate levels of Parliamentary contingency to be held by the DfT/HM Treasury (conclu- round-up, in a hectic sion 21 in section 7 and conclusion 59 in section 11). o “The DfT updates and publishes a revised busi- pre-virus period ness case for the project as a whole. This should include the latest cost and benefits for the project (conclusion 59 By Jonathan Roberts, JR Consulting in section 11).

Parliament has resumed in 2020 with many transport • The cumulative impact of these tests was probed in the announcements and commitments during the past 4th March Public Accounts Committee session (see link six weeks. These contrast with the slow pace and below), with opaque replies received from DfT and HS2. A multiple Brexit uncertainties during 2019. It will be deep review of costs and the business case might incur a seen if this pace can be sustained, as national and year or more before an NtP could be issued. HM Treasury global economies sustain large shocks as a result of now has a presence on the HS2 Ltd Board, while there is the Pandora’s Box impact of the Covid-19 virus. now a DfT HS2 Minister to oversee HS2 and Transpen- nine Rail – Andrew Stephenson, Conservative MP for Re-openings – Pandora again? Pendle. Another and totally different Pandora’s Box, to recreate rail links lost as a result of Beeching or to create new Other HS2 project reshaping ones, was opened on 28th January 2020. See here and Other key elements in relation to the complete HS2 pro- below for the Government statement, which has already ject are that: met with a huge response. The £500m on offer is aimed primarily at start-up project assessment (£300,000 for an • Steps will be taken to improve HS2 Ltd’s performance ideas fund) and accelerating delivery of existing schemes as an organisation, and milestones will be set for HS2 Ltd (the bulk of the cash), with £22m to top up a new stations to deliver against. fund. • The scope for land value capture around stations should Outline submission dates of March and June 2020 feature, be explored in detail, and until that is assessed further, and apart from the obvious – that relatively easy schemes procurement around stations should be paused. which could allow ribbon-cutting by or before 2024 might be favoured – there is a possibility that a further tranche • Railway design optimisation and cost reduction will be of schemes might be considered in due course because explored. of the policy’s popularity. Passenger rail links may provide some scope for rail freight. • The Old Oak Common-Euston section is postponed for several years while the station and approaches are re-as- HS2 goes ahead slowly sessed as a complete integrated project not under HS2 Rail reconnection was January’s starter course. HS2 was Ltd’s control [possibly led instead by Network Rail?]. OOC the big railway story during February. will be a temporary terminus at least for the 2028-2030/31 period. • HS2 go-ahead was granted in a Prime Ministerial statement and subsequent debate, on 11 February, following • Powers should proceed for Phase 2A (West Midlands the Oakervee Review - see the Commons and Lords – Crewe). debates linked below. There were however several ca- veats, and no formal Notice to Proceed was authorised. • Planning for Phase 2B should be hived off into a separate ‘High Speed North’ assessment for an integrated • The major constraints are described in Section 3.3 of the approach to those west and east elements of Phase 2B Oakervee Review of HS2:- (Manchester area, and West Midlands – East Midlands – “3.3 The key decision for Phase One is ‘Notice to Pro- South Yorkshire – Leeds), and Northern Powerhouse and ceed’ (NtP): the government authorisation for HS2 Ltd Midlands aims including any HS3 elements. to finalise the contracts for major construction works for Phase One alone. In essence, NtP is a go/no-go for the • Terms of reference for ‘High Speed North’ etc, were set entire HS2 project as the Review has concluded that it out on 21st February. Government commentary is availa- only makes sense to do Phase One if continuing with ble here: Northern Powerhouse Rail and HS2. the northern phases. Before issuing NtP, the government should as soon as possible ensure: There will be a limit on the number of HS trains which o “HS2 Ltd achieves a satisfactory position with can be accommodated at Old Oak Common, until any each of the Main Works Civils contractors in order to ob- OOC-Euston sector were finalised and built. The Oak- tain acceptable Stage 2 prices [the next pricing stage] and ervee Review itself looked to a normal maximum of 14 a reasonable level of value engineering. If HS2 Ltd cannot trains per hour (tph) in each direction at Euston rather achieve a satisfactory position with the Main Works Civils than 16-18. This calls into question either fewer West contractors, then HS2 Ltd, subject to further discussions Coast trains to be transferred from WCML to HS2 (pre- with the DfT and HM Treasury, may have to consider viously planned as 10 tph), or alternatively no more than re-procuring some or all of these contracts (conclusion 25 4 tph at the London end from HS2 Phase 2B East, which in section 8). reduces its viability unless it can be used by different services. A complete HS2 network is not expected until the o “An updated business case for Phase One, ap- 2035-2040 period. proved by HM Treasury, is published and a revised funding Continued over the page. 26 RFG News Mar 2020

Commentaries point to the practical effect of hiving some “open discussions with Greater Manchester, Liverpool City control away from Hs2 Ltd over Phase 2B elements, and Region and the West Midlands in the coming months.” potentially offering significant funding to Northern authorities, so that they can set out preferences for when and • Further details will be announced at the Comprehensive where spending should be taken forward on an integrated Spending Review decision in July 2020, alongside a Na- North network, under the oversight of the new HS2 and tional Bus Strategy. The CSR which begins shortly, will set Transpennine Rail minister. out further plans for investment in local transport spending. To inform these plans, the Infrastructure and Projects All this affects the scope for accommodating (or not) Authority will lead a study, working with departments, into rail freight flows firstly when looking ahead to thecom- supply chain capacity, to assess how industry can best bined effect of HS2 Phases 1 and 2A on the classic rail deliver the government’s ambition. network (eg NW and north of Crewe), and on the ability to assist transfer of east-west freight flows in the Because of the volume of activity since January, an exten- Northern Powerhouse area from road to trunk rail. sive list of parliamentary coverage on rail issues is set out below, including debates on proposed Rail Freight Inter- Infrastructure and local transport priorities changes at Hinckley and the West Midlands. On 11 March, the new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, gave an upbeat outlook of targeted expenditure to In the former case, local MPs were concerned about the level up productivity across the UK economy, as well as scale and impact of the scheme and the additional load underpinning current health expenditure priorities via the on local road infrastructure. Alberto Costa, MP for South NHS and in other ways. The 2020 Spring Budget said this Leicestershire, supported such interchanges in principle on infrastructure: but “We must be ultra-cautious that this particular development is not just a front for yet another large-scale logis- • “Infrastructure underpins the economy: it is essential for tics park.” markets to function effectively, it supports jobs, attracts investment, and it matters to families, communities, towns In response, a junior local government minister, Luke Hall, and cities. Later in the spring the government will publish described the basis of planning guidance for promoters a landmark National Infrastructure Strategy which will set of nationally significant infrastructure projects on the road out plans for a once in a generation transformation of the and rail networks, which also created the basis for exam- UK’s economic infrastructure.” ination by the Planning Inspectorate and decisions by the Transport Secretary. • Mr Sunak said: “We are also going to build better railways, with spades going in the ground on HS2, our com- The West Midlands petition expressed similar local sen- mitment to fund the Manchester-Leeds leg of Northern timents about a proposed rail freight interchange on the Powerhouse Rail, funding today for a new station at Cam- western side of the West Midlands urban area, by the A5 bridge South and the midlands rail hub, Darlington station near Gailey. moving to the next stage of development and approval, and funding to make a dozen train stations more acces- Recent significant parliamentary statements on rail sible.” Tuesday 28 January 2020 • It is intended to deliver better local transport for towns, Written statement and press release rural areas and other cities. In February, the Prime Minis- Government pledges 500 million to bring back historic rail ter announced £5bn of new funding for buses and cycling. lines There is also a £500m road Potholes Fund, and the de- Re-opening Beeching-era lines and stations (background velopment of 15 local road upgrades across the country. paper as updated 19 February)

• A second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) would Monday 3rd February 2020 “spend over £27bn between 2020 and 2025, to take for- Adjournment debate ward schemes such as dualling the A66 Trans-Pennine Rail Services: North-East England and upgrading the A46 Newark bypass to address congestion, and building the Lower Thames Crossing”. This Wednesday 5th February 2020 would be undertaken “alongside the government’s plans Opposition debate for decarbonising the transport sector”. Transport and climate change

• Also alongside that was “£20m to develop the Midlands Westminster Hall Rail Hub” (which seems small beer in comparison even Rail Services: Maidenhead Twyford and Branch Lines if it is just scheme planning), and an intention to confirm allocations of “over £1bn from the Transforming Cities Tuesday 11th February 2020 Fund” in 12 further cities, including Stoke, Preston, Der- Statement and main debates by and Nottingham, and Southampton, with provision for Transport Infrastructure (Commons) including HS2 an- £800m for bus and cycling infrastructure. nouncement Transport Infrastructure (Lords) • The government will also provide £4.2bn from 2022-23 for five-year funding settlements for eight Mayoral Com- Westminster Hall bined Authorities (in West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, Hinckley National Rail Freight Interchange West Midlands, Liverpool City Region, Tyne and Wear, West of England, Sheffield City Region and Tees Valley). Various aspirations were cited, and the government will Continued over the page.

27 RFG News Mar 2020

Wednesday 26th February 2020 There are eleven Members, chaired by Huw Merriman Petition MP- Con, Bexhill & Battle. The other Members are: West Midlands Rail Freight Interchange Ruth Cadbury MP - Lab, Brentford & Isleworth Lilian Greenwood MP - Lab, Nottingham South – the for- Thursday 27th February 2020 mer Committee chair and now deputy chair Written statement Simon Jupp MP – Con, East Devon Aviation: Heathrow Expansion Robert Largan MP – Con, High Peak Chris Loder MP – Con, West Dorset Monday 2nd March 2020 Karl McCartney MP – Con, Lincoln Main debates Grahame Harris MP – Lab, Easington Airport Expansion (Commons) Gavin Newlands MP – SNP, Paisley & Renfrewshire North Airport Expansion (Lords) Greg Smith MP – Con, Buckingham Sam Tarry MP – Lab, Ilford South. Public Bill revival Revival of HS2 High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) The Committee’s future plans include a on-off session on Bill Revival (Commons) HS2: Next Steps about the key future of challenges of High Speed Rail (West Midlands - Crewe) Bill (Lords) the project, including the integration between HS2 and rail services in the North and Midlands. Local transport priori- Wednesday 4th March 2020 ties will also be investigated separately. Public Accounts Committee HS2 Spring 2020 update Formal meeting oral evidence session Evidence by DfT and HS2 (Also attended by the new Transport Select Committee chair, Huw Merriman MP). Contact: Jonathan Roberts, MD, Wednesday 11th March 2020 JR Consulting The Budget 07545 641 204 Financial Statement [email protected] www.jrc.org.uk Transport Select Committee A new Committee has been appointed following the De- cember 2019 election.

European News Mar 2020

News in brief:

• In response to the coronavirus outbreak in Italy, intermodal operator Hu- pac has taken measures to come as close as possible to ‘contactless terminals’ in northern Italy. “The objective is to reduce physical contacts between the people involved, by fully eliminating the need for contact or, where this is the difference in Europe. As private companies not possible, always main- Lineas joins ERFA we have a unique customer mind-set to deliver taining the minimum rec- innovative products that convince our custom- ommended distance of two ERFA’s Board of Directors has welcomed ers to shift from road to rail. We look forward to metres between them”. Lineas to its membership. working with ERFA to strengthen the sector and From Railfreight.com attract private investors who will help us grow Lineas is Europe’s largest private rail freight op- and realize the modal shift.” • The European Com- erator active throughout Europe with its Green mission has unveiled two Xpress Network. The objectives of Lineas and ERFA President, Dirk Stahl: “I am glad that proposals, both of which ERFA are well aligned, namely the creation of ERFA can attract such an important railway promise to advance the a single and competitive European rail freight company as Lineas and that we can join forc- cause of Combined Trans- market. The ERFA Board of Directors believes es to create a European Rail Freight sector with port: the proposal for a that Lineas membership enhances ERFA’s po- strong and competitive railway undertakings. European Climate Law, sition as a strong voice for private and inde- This is essential in order to see real growth in and a proposal to des- pendent rail freight companies at EU level. rail freight and subsequently allow the sector to ignate 2021 a European contribute successfully towards Europe’s envi- Year of Rail. The full text is Lineas CEO, Geert Pauwels: “We strongly be- ronmental and modal shift objectives”. • available here. lieve that private rail freight players will make • Erfa has called for an tive measures have been taken and that there ambitious revision of the Combined Transport would be no disruption to services. Rail Freight Corridors Regulation (2010/913). prepared for Covid-19 Unaccompanied Combined Transport, where It said that it strongly be- the cargo travels without a driver riding along lieves that for rail freight The International Union for Road-Rail Com- the entire journey of each truckload, is ideal to to able to grow, the sec- bined Transport (UIRR) has said the sector facilitate longer distance cargo flows throughout tor needs a strong Rail is prepared to keep the economy moving. Europe in a time when the usual logistics-chains Freight Corridors Regu- and the continued supply of consumers have lation which ensures rail “In view of the Covid-19 infections reported come under threat of disruption. freight companies have over from Northern Italy, mainly the regions of access to a sufficient lev- Lombardy and Veneto, and the resulting swift The movement of intermodal loading units and el and quality of capacity actions announced by Italian authorities, the the loading and unloading activities at terminals along corridors. Click here European Combined Transport sector and its generally involves local staff, who do not need to read more. representatives in Italy in particular would like to to travel over long distances. Actors producing assure the logistics sector and their customers CT-chains are well prepared, they have offered • VTG is expanding its that we maintain our operations and keep trans- the necessary precautionary guidance and pro- range of digital servic- shipment terminals open.” tective measures to staff and business partners es and will be making it to ensure smooth operations. • available in future on a It went on to say that all necessary preven- platform under the name traigo. With the launch of the platform, customers will be able to access con- Contact the RFG Team: tract data and retrieve information about the wag- Maggie Simpson, Director General, 07737 007 957 ons they have hired in real Phillippa O’Shea, Administration Manager, 07931 763 081 time. Joe O’Donnell, Head of Policy, 07974 168 922 Yvonne Mulder, Project Manager, 07887 767 666 James Falkner, Media Officer, 07753 271 110 • Davies Turner has said Robin Smith, Welsh Representative, 07968 488 905 its fixed-day, weekly di- Mike Hogg, North of England Representative, 07833 402 804 rect rail import service from China to the UK will RFG News is published by the Rail Freight Group, 7 Bury Place, London, WC1A. Tel: 020 3116 0007 re-commence in mid- [email protected]. www.rfg.org.uk. RFG welcomes comments, letters and short articles. Opinions expressed in these March. articles are of the author only. RFG News is published primarily for online distribution but we will continue to send hard copies to those readers who request them. RFG does not endorse the services of its advertisers.