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The government wants rail freight usage to rise by at least 75 per cent by 2050 as part of plans to slash emissions and take lorries off UK roads.
The Department for Transport (DfT) said the target will provide the sector with “certainty” by setting a clear place for growth.
One train is able to replace up to 129 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and a tonne of freight moved by rail produces about a quarter of the carbon emissions it does by road.
If rail freight volumes treble by 2050, as modelling indicates could be required to meet net zero targets, there would be about 14 million fewer road lorry movements a year than today. But despite its environmental benefits, it is estimated that rail freight only accounts for around 10 per cent of surface freight across the UK today.
The 75 per cent target has been set following a call for evidence from various industry stakeholders by the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT).
“Rail freight helps keep this country moving, ensuring our supermarket shelves are stocked and materials are supplied to our construction workers,” said transport secretary Mark Harper.
“Not only is it the most efficient and environmentally friendly way of transporting many goods, but it helps grow the economy across the country.
“This ambitious plan demonstrates this government’s confidence in the rail freight sector and I hope it encourages businesses to capitalise on the extra opportunities so the industry continues to thrive and deliver for our country.”
Transport is the largest-emitting sector of greenhouse gases, producing 24 per cent of the UK’s total emissions in 2020. The sector is also difficult to decarbonise, with 95 per cent of vehicles still dependent on oil.
Maggie Simpson, director-general of the Rail Freight Group, said: “This target sends a strong message about the benefits and potential of rail freight, which will encourage investment by industry and private businesses and attract more customers to move their goods by rail.”
