Anne Main MP – Network Rail silent on on rail freight planning

At a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Thameslink Group this morning, Anne Main seized an opportunity to press representatives of Network Rail on their lack of consideration of the potential impact on of a rail freight terminal in Park Street on passenger services.

During a lengthy presentation on the future of Thameslink, Network Rail spokesmen Graham Goodwin and Rob Smith failed to make any reference to the potential impact of complex rail pathings and rail possessions which are expected to result from the Park Street rail freight proposal, if it were approved. During Anne’s subsequent questioning they were unable to address any specific points on the subject.

Following the meeting, Anne said: “I had real concerns that this presentation on the future of Thameslink seemed to fall down when it came to questioning. There was a degree of embarrassment when I sought assurances about the potential impact of the Park Street Rail Freight Proposal on the Thameslink programme.

I think we need to be clear when talking about the future of Thameslink that a number of factors are still up in the air, but we do really need to know how events on the ground will impact on proposals. Network Rail representatives could only promise to talk to Network Rail Route Director Dyan Crowther, and I really feel that they should have already done this if they are to talk with authority on the delivery of Thameslink.

Frankly, I was surprised at the lack of communication which is taking place within Network Rail. This smacks of a silo mentality and this is exactly why Network Rail should have been cross-examined at the Rail Freight Inquiry. I made it clear to Network Rail’s Graham Goodwin that I believe if there is still any doubt they should definitely representations to the Secretary of State if they believe – as I do – that the Rail Freight plan would impact on passenger services.”