Responding to the publication of Network Rail’s new Access Charges Discount Policy, Ellis Shelton Senior Policy Advisor at business group Logistics UK, says:“Logistics UK has campaigned for some time for the government to help rail freight compete with the road network on a level playing field, so our members will welcome Network Rail's new Access Charges Discount Policy.

“Offering freight operators discounts on track access charges paves the way for the development of new services and the revitalisation of under-utilised lines, ensuring that the rail freight sector remains at the forefront of the nation's freight strategy.

“More can be done, however, to meet GBR’s long-term plan of growing rail freight by 75% by 2050, and Logistics UK will continue pressing government to give our sector the confidence to make the necessary long-term investments in assets and infrastructure, by ensuring freight access contracts are defaulted to ten years when successfully renewed.”