Construction rail traffic sees record 5% increase in the UK



Source: RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE

There has been a record expansion in construction rail traffic, according to the latest rail freight statistics.

The ORR’s quarter three figures have revealed a 5% increase in construction traffic, with a movement of 1.1 billion net-tonne kilometres.

Consumer traffic has decreased marginally by 1%, and international traffic appears to be recovering, following external pressures.

The deep decline in coal traffic has continued, with a fall of 21% from the previous year, but has seen the second successive quarterly rise in 2017-18.

Philippa Edmunds, freight on rail manager at Campaign for Better Transport, said: “Rail freight has a key role in servicing industry in a safer, cleaner way which reduces road congestion and improves productivity.

“Each freight train can carry enough materials to build 30 houses.

“Furthermore, in London almost half of building materials are delivered by rail with large amounts of industrial waste then being removed by rail.”

Source: RAILWAY TECHNOLOGY MAGAZINE