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Railways: Freight

Asked by Mr Richard HoldenConservativeDepartment for TransportTabled Answered 24 October 2025UIN 82748

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department has set targets for growth in rail freight volumes between 2025 and 2030.

Answered by Simon Lightwood

The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental benefits, as well as the role it plays in the UK’s resilience.

We have confirmed that there will be an overall target of a 75% increase in rail freight moved by 2050. More granular growth targets for GBR will follow in due course.

For the current Control Period 7 (2024 to 2029) Network Rail have a regulated growth target of 7.5% increase in freight moved. In the first year, statistics from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) reported a 5% increase.

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