Business, Freight News, Logistics

Free up rail access to ports, urges GBRf

[ February 5, 2013   //   Chris ]

GB Railfreight (GBRf) has told the Transport Select Committee’s inquiry into Access to Ports that barriers to rail operators should be eliminated. Future growth strategy and investment plans should treat ports and rail as one combined system of transport rather than separate entities, it says.

The company, which operates from 11 UK ports, argues that the rail freight industry requires full, intelligently co-ordinated access to ports but is hampered by a lack of a joined-up approach to government investment policy in the sector. The industry must have a regulatory regime that promotes competition and ensures there are no barriers to port access.

John Smith, GBRf’s managing director, said: “Ports are the life source of our business. It is crucial they are readily accessible to bulk and multi-modal rail freight to allow them to work at maximum efficiency and be utilised to their full potential. Suitable investment therefore needs to be clustered around this source.”

Tags: Access to Ports, GB Railfreight