New Report Backs Rail

March 11th 2008

A new report released by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) backs up calls for rail expansion.

Released just ahead of the Infrarail exhibition, Cliff Perry, vice president of IMechE’s Railway Division, says, ‘We have ambitious government targets for transport emissions, but 85% of transport emissions come from roads, so if we are serious about doing something, we must hit road transport.’

The report which calls for increased investment in railways will be studied closely by government. It comes as Network Rail announced its Route Utilisation Strategy for the East Coast Main Line - concentrating predominantly on more, longer trains and an up graded diversionary route via Lincoln.

Tony Berkeley, chairman of the Rail Freight Group briefed ministers ahead of Infrarail. ‘We now have to plan for growth, both passenger and freight. We’ve got to think forward, give the industry the capacity it needs so it will be able to run more trains in the future,’ said Lord Berkeley.

‘Yes we need small things to start with: more four tracking, chords and flyovers, improved signalling - but it could all grow a bit quicker. The next step is to make sure Network Rail becomes a world class infrastructure manager which is hungry for business.’ The IMechE report also backs building new high-speed lines to increase capacity. Network Rail is pushing ahead with a series of major works over the Easter holidays.

Jeremy Candfield, Director General of the Railway Industry Association representing UK suppliers said, ‘To meet the challenges of Britain’s expanding railway, we have to make best use of new technologies to achieve efficiency gains, and it is heartening to see such a wide range of products and technologies on display at Infrarail.’

IMechE’s report compares carbon emissions between modes - an air passenger produces 10 times more CO2 than a rail traveller. It also criticised high fares on the network. Meanwhile high numbers of RailStaff and rail engineer readers pre-registered to visit Infrarail in Birmingham - home of the RailStaff Awards 2008.

Says editor Andy Milne, ‘Come and see us on Stand 124 or at the rail engineer Conference Sessions on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.’

---

Subscribe or spread the word: