13-3-02

GOVERNMENT MUST ACT TO PREVENT RAIL FREIGHT CRISIS - BARRETT

John Barrett MP, the Scottish Liberal Democrat Spokesperson on Cross Border Transport, today called on the Government to take swift action to avert a looming crisis in the rail freight industry. The news follows the closure of the Channel Tunnel over this past weekend and the warning by freight company EWS of potential job losses.

John Barrett MP said:

“The closure of the Channel Tunnel only added to the continuing problems facing rail freight services across the country.

“Rail freight has been in steady decline over recent years, with an 11% drop in rail freight between 2000 and 2001. Less and less freight transported by trains results in more and more freight being transported by lorries, congesting roads even further and costing business billions of pounds worth in costs.

“In Scotland, many of our key industries, not least the Whiskey industry, relies heavily on rail freight and on good transport links through the Channel Tunnel, ensuring their place in the European market. This news and the continuing doubt over the position of Channel Tunnel freight, leaves them with an uncertain future.

“The Government must now take urgent action if a crisis in the rail freight industry is to be averted. Solving the problems of asylum seekers who are trying to smuggle themselves through the Channel Tunnel by Europe wide cooperation and dialogue would be a good start. However, a more cohesive, long term and practical approach to rail freight is required if the 80% planned growth in the industry is to become a reality.”

ENDS