"Central Railway is the only company proposing to build such a dedicated freight line and we welcome this overdue endorsement of what we have been suggesting for some time."

"We have huge support from businesses, environmental groups, motoring organisations and local authorities. It is encouraging that there is now also recognition from within the existing rail system that projects such as Central Railway will play a part both in reducing congestion and improving safety. Gerald Corbett should be commended for his willingness to consider new solutions to old problems."

• Central Railway is proposing to design, build and operate a new lorries-on-trains rail link connecting the North West to northern France. The £5bn line will run from Liverpool, via Manchester, Sheffield, the Midlands and London, through the Channel Tunnel to Lille in Northern France.
• The new route will involve upgrading and reinstating existing or disused railways. The railway will create a unique link into Europe as the only railway able to carry standard European freight and passenger trains (as well as any UK train) and standard road haulage equipment.
• Independent estimates have indicated that Central Railway will generate some 5000 construction jobs alone over the five years of building. In addition, about 2000 permanent new railway jobs will be generated. Early studies have suggested that a further 6000 jobs will be created as a result of the improved transport links the railway would provide.