TfGM speaks out on rail freight capacity

Transport for Greater Manchester is calling for “pragmatic discussions” with the rail freight sector over the latter’s use of scarce rail capacity in the conurbation. The call comes after Transport for the North’s request to look at removing freight trains from the congested Castlefield corridor through Manchester Piccadilly (LTT 06 Mar). That request, thought to be backed by Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, would appear to imply the closure of the Trafford Park container terminal. Asked to clarify its position on Trafford Park, TfGM provided LTT with the following statement: “TfGM is currently reviewing and subsequently refreshing its freight strategy, due to complete this summer, and this will lead to recommendations on how rail freight in Greater Manchester can be optimised to help meet economic and environmental objectives. We want to work with the industry and have the pragmatic discussions with them to strike the right balance, to understand how to support the maximum movement of passengers at peak times, while still retaining capacity for the level of freight required to support the economy.”