The UK government has set a new target to increase the amount of freight moved by rail by at least 40% by 2040. The target comes as part of the government’s plans for Great British Railways (GBR) to support economic growth and strengthen supply chains.
Announced on 8 September, the target is the first milestone towards the government’s existing ambition to increase rail freight by at least 75% by 2050.
Rail freight currently carries goods worth almost £33.7bn annually, while the government estimates that meeting the 2040 target would increase this to £49.5bn.
Within the overall target, the government estimates that construction goods moved by rail could increase by 45%, while high-value goods, including cars, wine, white goods and medicines, could rise by 65%. Critical goods could increase by 7%.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Great British Railways will have a clear mission to help grow our economy by moving more of the goods British businesses rely on.
“Our new target gives the rail freight industry the certainty it needs to invest, helping businesses move more products, deliver the materials needed to build new homes and infrastructure and support jobs across the country.”
The government said a single freight train can carry enough materials to build around 30 homes, while achieving the 2040 target could save up to one million tonnes of CO₂ annually compared with transporting the same goods by road.
The announcement coincides with the Railways Bill beginning its committee stage in the House of Lords. The legislation will give GBR strategic oversight of network access and two duties to support freight growth. A dedicated member of the GBR board will also be given responsibility for freight.
Maggie Simpson OBE, director general of the Rail Freight Group, welcomed the target, saying: “There are huge opportunities for moving more goods by rail and the sector stands ready to fulfil government’s bold targets for growth, making an even stronger contribution to the nation’s productivity, development and resilience.”
“Moving more products by train is a critical enabler of good growth, be that in housebuilding, green energy or reindustrialisation,” she added.
Urban Logistics will explore how growing freight volumes can be moved into and through cities more efficiently, including look at the role of rail, urban consolidation, last-mile delivery and more.
Urban Logistics, takes place at ExCeL London on 9-10 June 2027.
To find out more information, visit: urbanlogisticsexhibition.com
