Investment call for rail junction

A rail junction in Whittlesey has been flagged up as just one of seven in the UK where new investment could unlock billions of pounds for the economy.

The rail junction at Whittlesea is regarded as a bottleneck for rail freight heading to and from the east coast ports.

Now the UK Major Ports Group, which represents 40 ports accounting for more than 70 per cent of the total tonnage handled at UK ports, says action to improve the junction could improve transport times.

It says congestion on key routes and locations in the country obstructs the UK economy, amounting to 50,000 HGV hours wasted every day and 3 million tonnes of rail freight restricted annually, costing an estimated £539 million every year.

Tim Morris, of the UK Major Ports Group, said: “We have long suspected the significant impact that congestion in our freight network has on UK productivity. “The potential identified is just in terms of freight industry value – the value to manufacturers, retailers and other industries for their own businesses will add substantially to this benefit. “We need a new ‘freight first’ approach to ensure that Britain can live up to its true potential. “Leaking money because of avoidable congestion is an own goal. Some smart, targeted prioritisation can exponentially improve our freight network at this crucial moment for our country.”