Engineering news
Almost nine in 10 (89%) manufacturing firms believe the original plan for the high speed rail line should go ahead, according to a survey released today (21 July) by industry association Make UK and Barclays UK Corporate Bank. A similar number believe there should be more investment in faster connections between the large Northern cities of Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle.
Reinstating Phase 2 of HS2, which was cancelled by previous Conservative governments, could form part of a “major strategic investment in the rail network to significantly increase passenger capacity and thereby free up capacity for rail freight on existing lines,” a Make UK announcement said.
“This investment is essential if the government is to meet its target of increasing rail freight by three quarters by 2050, while at the same time reducing carbon emissions from the estimated 12 million journeys which will be carried out by lorries in 2050.”
Expanded rail capacity and improved connectivity could unlock “major economic benefits”, the manufacturers’ organisation added. “Linking the UK’s largest port at Felixstowe, through the Oxford-Cambridge Arc – which, together with London, forms the ‘Golden Triangle’ of universities and centres of research and innovation – and onward via HS2 to Birmingham, Liverpool, and Manchester, could recoup much of the value spent on HS2 already, while also driving economic growth across the regions and contributing towards net zero.”
Creation of logistics hubs at strategic locations along this industrial spine – such as Ely Junction in Cambridgeshire and Trafford Park in Greater Manchester – could “unleash economies of scale” by improving access to skills and innovation across the country, the announcement added.
Road is currently the main mode of transport for almost nine in 10 (89%) manufacturers, with almost six in 10 (59%) regarding road investment as critical for their just-in-time operations. That compares to 46% for port investment and 38% for rail.
Cost is the biggest deterrent to increased reliance on rail, with 45% of manufacturers naming it as the main blocker. The cost per tonne has increased by 10% in the last decade, the announcement said, compared to just 3% for road. Low volumes and lack of access to local terminals were also selected as key challenges, picked by 42% and 39% respectively.
Almost a third of companies (31%) said rail should be the priority for transport investment, while almost twice that amount (61%) said the government should prioritise investment in multimodal transport hubs – increasing connectivity between ports, road and rail – to increase the use of rail for freight.
“It’s clear that the current levels of rail capacity aren’t suitable for the levels of freight traffic the government is predicting in the future,” said Verity Davidge, director of policy at Make UK.
“As a result, if industry is to make greater use of rail then we need the extra capacity, which a high-speed link for passenger traffic would free up. This would provide a valuable opportunity to invest in multimode hubs which would improve connectivity between our major ports and better integrate road and rail routes through the spine of the country.”
Lee Collinson, head of manufacturing, transport and logistics at Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “It's important that UK transport infrastructure is at the forefront of discussions among policymakers. Upgrading and integrating our road, rail and port systems is crucial for boosting productivity, decarbonising transport and supporting long-term competitiveness.
“By addressing key barriers and enhancing rail freight, we can achieve significant environmental benefits, reduce lorry journeys and improve road safety. We’re excited to work with industry bodies like Make UK as we deliver for the sector, going beyond numbers and supporting its plans for growth.”
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