Central Railway, the private company proposing to build and operate a freight railway running from Lille in Northern France to Liverpool, has today published fresh evidence which argues that there is a strong revenue case for a new freight line which could win up to 40% of the lorry freight market between the UK and the Continent, taking about 2.5 million lorries by 2009 off Britain's heavily congested roads.
Commenting on the report, Roland Berger Project Manager, John Larew said:"Our report dispels the long-held industry myth that rail freight can't make a profit. There is a strong revenue case for a new rail freight line between the UK and the Continent. By 2009 such a line should expect to be generating £1.4bn of revenue pa."
In a further piece of good news for Central Railway, one of the most important stakeholders in the emerging debate on transport has today given their backing to the project.
Speaking at the launch of the report, John Chapman, Acting Director General of the Road Haulage Association (RHA) said:"With traffic volumes anticipated to increase by some 30% over the next twenty years, those involved in the logistics industry are increasingly concerned that unless new and radical approaches are considered we shall not be able to deliver the supply chain solutions that are an essential pre-requisite to the continuing improvement of society's quality of life."
"Central Railway offers an imaginative alternative to road congestion on main trunk routes. The RHA sees Central Railway not as a competitor to hauliers but as something that will complement the service that we provide."
Commenting on the report and the industry endorsements, Andrew Gritten, Chairman of Central Railway said:"Today marks a significant moment for Central Railway. The report from Roland Berger is clear proof that there is a strong revenue case for a rail freight line between the UK and the Continent. A new freight link, which will take an estimated 40% of international lorry freight traffic off Britain's congested roads, will contributed enormously to the Government's agenda for both transport and the environment."
"I am extremely hopeful that as we enter the new millennium Central Railway will be a key part of a new integrated transport infrastructure system for the UK. A system which the public wants, business wants and this country deserves."