Network Rail: 'line needs upgrade for railfreight'
8th May 2007
Anne Main chaired a meeting with representatives of STRIFE and Network Rail to discuss the logistical rail implications of the Railfreight Interchange proposal at Radlett.
Today Anne Main, MP for St Albans, chaired a meeting with representatives of STRIFE and Network Rail to discuss the logistical rail implications of the Railfreight Interchange proposal at Radlett.
Anne Main, Chris Brown and Doug Hirst representing STRIFE, posed detailed technical questions and the implications of utilising the Midland Main Line to Chris Mair Public Affairs Manager and Richard Iggulden, Senior Route Freight Manager for Network Rail.
During the meeting the structural limitations of the current rail network were discussed. It emerged that the viability of any rail freight scheme hinges on the line being brought up to W10 loading gauge, to allow for the smooth running of the rail service and minimal impact on other service users.
Doug Hirst expressed concern that whilst detailed discussions between Network Rail and Helioslough appeared to have explored the possibility of up grading, crucially no planning conditions have been put in place to ensure the gauge up grade takes place.
Anne said:
"At least we now know what is essential, in rail terms, to make this proposal viable.
"I am concerned that Helioslough have implied in their negotiations with Network rail that these gauge up grades will occur but we have no proof they will deliver. Network Rail have a business to run and view these matters strictly in the context of their role as the service provider and do not have to consider issues such as noise, pollution, roads serving the site, traffic implications or green belt status.
"We are now aware of the technical limitations of the proposal which hinges on a promise of up grades. We will continue to focus on the intractable traffic and congestion issues and robustly up hold the green belt status of the site.
"Negotiations on this proposal are ongoing at every level so I look forward to my meeting with Archie Robertson Head of the Highways Agency."
Photo: Anne Main chaired a meeting with representatives of STRIFE and Network Rail to discuss the logistical rail implications of the Railfreight Interchange proposal at Radlett."
