Can Rail Freight Be Eliminated in the UK to Make Room for More Passenger Trains?

This question is based on a fallacy that currently sees rail capacity in the UK becoming increasingly tight. It is frequently proposed that rail freight could be phased out to make more room for passenger trains. However, this suggestion ignores several important factors and does not reflect the current and future needs of the British transportation network.

Challenging the Idea of Eliminating Rail Freight

Proponents of eliminating rail freight often base their argument on the claim that freight trains are slow and cumbersome. However, this perspective overlooks the significant environmental and economic benefits that rail freight brings. Rail freight is a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation compared to road haulage, particularly for long-distance freight movements. By focusing solely on the speed and convenience of passenger trains, this argument neglects the critical role that rail freight plays in modern logistics and industry.

The Impact of Eliminating Rail Freight

Eliminating rail freight would likely have severe implications for local communities and businesses. A key example is the suggestion that the closure of a railway through a small town, which only runs two freight trains per day, would result in an additional 1000 large trucks traversing the area daily. This scenario demonstrates the vast differences in capacity and environmental impact between rail and road transport. Railways can handle heavier loads and greater volumes, reducing the need for numerous and often larger road vehicles. The weight-carrying capacity of rail freight makes many road trucks appear insignificant in comparison.

Historical Context: The Great Central Railway

The history of the Great Central Railway and its predecessor, the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway, provides a poignant reminder of the foresight required in railway development. Built between 1898 and 1900, this line was not only relatively straight and easily graded but also designed with overhead electrification and a height gauge in mind, anticipating future infrastructure projects like the Channel Tunnel. It is particularly ironic that a significant piece of this railway's infrastructure, Brackley Viaduct, was blown up on the same day Margaret Thatcher signed the agreement to build the Channel Tunnel in 1965. This event would seem almost scripted if it were not so absurd.

The track bed for much of this railway is still extant, offering a potential opportunity for restoration as a fast freight route running up the spine of the country, from London to Sheffield. Instead of squandering vast amounts of money on high-speed rail (HS2), which some argue is not necessary, focusing on resurrecting the capacity and efficiency of rail freight would be a more cost-effective and beneficial approach.

Environmental Considerations and Economic Efficiency

Eliminating rail freight would likely result in an increased number of lorries on the roads, leading to higher carbon emissions and additional traffic congestion. Freight trains, particularly those running at night, can help mitigate these issues by reducing peak road traffic. Night-time rail operations can be arranged to manage the load distribution between freight and passenger services, thereby optimizing the use of the railway infrastructure.

Conclusion

To effectively address the challenges of limited rail capacity in the UK, it is crucial to promote and invest in rail freight rather than eliminate it. Increasing capacity and enhancing infrastructure, alongside better planning and coordination between freight and passenger services, can ensure that both modes of transport serve their respective needs efficiently and sustainably.