Closed with just WAYSWD

For your views on the development of a Rail Freight Strategy for the region.  This included the opportunity to comment on the draft vision for the rail freight sector as well as a number of draft proposals aimed at supporting the sector to achieve its potential in a manner consistent with our transport and broader economic, social and environmental objectives.

We received 36 responses, many of which were supportive of the broad principles and approach and agreed with the representation of the key challenges and opportunities for the rail freight sector as set out.  Accordingly, the draft vision, objectives and broad actions that were trailed in the consultation document have been retained in the final Strategy.  There were comments on how the Strategy could be strengthened, areas of focus prioritised, and timescales for actions accelerated.

The evidence collected both through the consultation process and the supplementary stakeholder workshops was comprehensively assessed and informed the publication of “Delivering the Goods, Regional Rail Freight Strategy”.  The Strategy sets out how we will work in partnership with the rail freight industry and others to realise our vision for rail freight through the four core levers of: innovation, facilitation, promotion and investment.  An Analysis Report (summarising the consultation responses) and note of discussion was published alongside the Strategy on the Transport Authority website.