Regionalisation of Network Rail would not be beneficial for freight, according to a survey carried out by the Rail Freight Group.

The RFG said on November 10 that equal recognition of freight and passenger traffic is critical for the successful reform of the UK’s rail infrastructure.

The survey of members, representing around 120 companies, revealed that 72% of respondents fear regionalisation would not be beneficial. One unnamed respondent said: “If a freight train is traversing different regional boundaries it could lead to problems on how that train is managed/performs under different controlling areas.”

There was strong support for equal recognition of freight and passenger services, with 70% naming this as one of two top requirements for success. A competitive choice of rail freight operators was the second main requirement (52%). 

  • For more on this, read RAIL 788, published on November 25.