Who Uses the Railway? – Freight in 2024

Presenter: Phil Smart

Hybrid Meeting both Physically at Shenfield Parish Hall and via Zoom

Phil gave us a very interesting insight into the railway as seen from the point of view of rail freight operators.  Through his role on Ipswich Borough Council, Phil was instrumental in the creation of what is now known as the ‘Bacon Factory Chord’ allowing flows from Felixstowe to proceed to the North and Midlands via Ely without the need to reverse in Ipswich yard. Whilst such F2MN flows, which avoid the congested North London Line, now number some 23 per day, further increases are now limited by the single lead Haughley Junction and movement conflicts in the Ely area.

Phil went on to cover other improvements that the RFG would like to see including the electrification and doubling of the Felixstowe branch and also electrification into London Gateway from Mucking. Such improvements would lead to a lower carbon footprint for rail freight. He also explained how the new motive power soon to be available from Class 93 and Class 99 locos and the use of intelligent wagons opens the door for other improvements.

After the presentation a very interesting Q&A session was held with Phil showing detailed knowledge of a wide variety of freight related issues and more generally, the future of both passenger and freight rail services. The impending General Election led to discussion as to what manifesto promises each of the major parties were offering to the rail industry.

An excellent presentation and Q&A session left the audience better able to appreciate the very different requirements of the freight railway.