Cross River Partnership (CRP), a non-profit and impartial partnership organisation, has launched its latest Rail Freight Study, which investigates the opportunity to use existing infrastructure in the London boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth to support efficient and sustainable movement of freight into Central London using rail.
The study is investigating whether London’s rail network can support more of the city’s freight. Transporting more goods by train would reduce the number of polluting vans on London’s roads, improving air quality and people’s health. A shortage of HGV drivers and equipment, rising fuel prices, increasing traffic congestion and emissions regulations is pushing the logistics sector to explore alternative delivery solutions.
The rise of low-volume, high-margin markets requiring fast delivery, such as fast-fashion, were identified as being suitable for fast rail freight. 4,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) could be saved each year by using rail freight, which could take 8,300 HGVs off the road. For London to reach its net zero targets, there has to be a 27% reduction in kilometres travelled by car by 2030.
CRP commissioned this study with the Great British Railways Transition Team (GBRTT) as part of the Impact on Urban Health-funded Clean Air Freight (CAF) project, with support from the London boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth. This report explores how moving freight goods by rail can support their goals of reducing polluting road-freight vehicles and achieving better air quality for the residents of London.
CAF explores how to prepare for more rail freight deliveries into London, including investigating the potential of passenger trains to carry freight, and also trial zero emission last mile logistics from a potential Freight Hub at Waterloo Station. Steer carried out this research, which follows on from CRP’s recent rail freight feasibility study, completed in June 2022.
The study identified two concepts for a trial: firstly “Passengers as Parcels” – Using existing high speed passenger services to move low volumes of goods into and out of stations in London, and secondly, a “Dedicated Freight Multiple Unit (FMU)” – Using a converted high-speed passenger train to transport high volumes of goods from freight hubs into and out of London stations.
The study revealed interest from the logistics market in both concepts, to realise fast, same-day delivery into London. London Waterloo Station has been shortlisted as a good potential location for trials to take place in accommodating increased rail freight. CRP is unlocking potential and transforming space to support the logistics sector in London with alternative freight modes, and deliver solutions that make London fairer, greener and safer.
Amandeep Kellay, Portfolio Manager, Impact on Urban Health, said: “Air pollution has devastating effects on people’s health. It particularly affects the vulnerable people in our communities, like children. While the movement of goods into and around London is essential, these deliveries significantly contribute to poor air quality. A bigger role for rail in transporting freight into London would mean fewer lorries and vans entering London, faster deliveries, and cleaner air for all. This research shows that improving air quality is the right thing for our health and business.”
Image shows example of a converted interior of a passenger train with roll cages for freight.
Keyword: Cross River Partnership publishes new study on rail freight