Railways in Parliament
Rail freight developing
CUTTING CO2 emissions is a top priority for the Government, but Rachel Maskell, the opposition MP for York Central, wanted to know the proportion of freight that will be transferred from road to rail over the next five years.
Transport Minister Wendy Morton replied: “We continue to encourage and incentivise modal shift from road to rail through the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme, that financially supports the carriage of freight by rail and water on routes where road haulage has a financial advantage. The £20 million scheme delivers high value for money and in 2020/21 removed around 900,000 HGV lorries off our congested road network, saving 58,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
“Furthermore, in both the WilliamShapps Plan for Rail and the Transport Decarbonisation Plan, the Government committed to introducing a rail freight growth target which will contribute towards broader Government objectives of modal shift.”
Bicentenary funding
THE York MP supplemented her rail freight question by asking Mrs Morton if the Government will provide support for the future of the rail industry through a research and development bicentenary challenge for the rail sector.
Mrs Morton added: “The 200-year anniversary [of the Stockton & Darlington
Railway in 2025] is a nationally important moment to mark and celebrate. The Department for Transport (DfT) will work with the whole industry to make this a special event for workers and passengers alike.
“We will look for opportunities to consider how we can promote research and development in rail during the bicentenary. The DfT works with Innovate UK and the Rail Safety and Standards Board to deliver research, development, and innovation programmes.
“One of the commitments of the William-Shapps Plan for Rail is a 30-year strategy which will provide a clear, longterm plan for transforming the railways to strengthen collaboration, unlock efficiencies, and incentivise innovation.
Nottingham restoration
RUTLAND and Melton MP Alicia Kearns has been backing plans to reopen the Melton Mowbray to Nottingham line. She asked what progress the DfT is making on reviewing bids by local authorities for finance from the Restoring Your Railways Fund.
Mrs Morton said: “The £500m fund is supporting more than 45 schemes at different stages of development with funding and advice. The DfT received a Strategic Outline Business Case for the Melton Mowbray to Nottingham proposal in August 2021.
“The Secretary of State for Transport and I are considering the next steps for projects, including Melton Mowbray to Nottingham, with a decision on the next tranche to progress anticipated soon.”
High road to Southport
SOUTHPORT has been a popular destination for Scots and the town’s MP Damien Moore sought the DfT’s assessment of rail links between Scotland and the resort.
Scotland Minister Alister Jack replied: “The recently concluded Union Connectivity Review (UCR) assessed transport connectivity between the four nations of the UK, and the Government response to the UCR will be published later this year.
“I recently met with my Hon Friend to discuss how reopening the Burscough Curves could increase connectivity between Southport and Scotland. I am committed to working with him and the Secretary of State for Transport on this proposal.”
Railway in the red
WOKINGHAM MP John Redwood asked the Government what the projected reduction in rail losses and rail subsidy is for 2022/23 compared to 2021/22.
Mrs Morton replied: “The DfT’s Main Estimate in 2022/23, for both support for rail passenger services and to deliver reforms, is £3bn.
“This is a reduction from an estimated outturn of around £5bn in 2021/22, primarily due to an increase in revenue. Actual 2021/22 outturn will be published in due course as part of the DfT’s Annual Report and Accounts.”
Tettenhall station plan
WOLVERHAMPTON South West MP
Stuart Anderson asked what progress the Government has made in improving the connectivity of his constituency to the rest of the rail network.
“The recently awarded £1.05 billion City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement will enable West Midlands Combined Authority to review its priorities and the value of commencing early business case development for schemes such as the new railway station proposed at Tettenhall.”
East Midlands flaw
LORD Bradshaw was critical of the Government for allowing a franchise to be let for the operation of East Midlands Trains in 2019 when insufficient rolling stock was available to meet the commitments of the franchise.
Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton replied: “The East Midlands Railway Franchise was let in May 2019 with suitable plans in place for trains to deliver the contracted service. Since then the pandemic and its impact has caused delays to the delivery of trains expected from other operators.”