MINUTES OF THE 138TH MEETING, OF THE FREIGHT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, HELD AT THE PETERBOROUGH CENTRE FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICES, 3, LINCOLN COURT, LINCOLN ROAD, PETERBOROUGH, PE1 2RP.
ON SATURDAY, THE 05th MAY 2007, COMMENCING AT 13:30hrs.
AGENDA: - (SPONSOR).
3477. ROLL CALL & APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Members in attendance: Philip Bisatt (PB), Tony Ross (TR), Gary Tinsey (GT), Chairman and Acting Secretary, Peter Wakefield (PW), Vice-Chairman.
Apologies received by. Eric Barbery (EB), Lee Davies (LD), David Harby (DH), and Mike Young (MY). The long-term ‘standing’ apologies of, Eric Layfield (EL), Secretary, and Steve Wilkinson (SW) were recorded. (Post meeting), (Henry Frampton-Jones), (HFJ).
The chairman commented on his disappointment, as to the numbers in attendance today. Though he took into account the health issues of several members and the working and domestic commitments of others. On a more positive note he underlined the commitment of ‘core’ attendees and our regional ‘corresponding members’, who together, kept the committee active and worthwhile.
3478. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (Place Peterborough 16.12.06).
Accepted as a true record. (PW), Seconded by (TR).
3479. MATTERS ARISING.
The pre-enquiry Felixstowe branch - TWA meeting was attended by the Chairman. (TR) has been unable to obtain a ‘DVD’ as yet. (3470),
The ORR freight access charges consultation was responded to jointly by (GT) and (PB), with support from contributors.
The site visit to Hull Docks is in progress, (see below).
The (JA) Central Railway information will be analysed by (GT).
The papers supplied by (EB) were passed to (PB) for his perusal and actions as required.
Mr A J Beale request for a copy of our ‘LHV’ document will be copied and posted by (GT).
The suggested new chord by A Bevan noted.
A reply is still awaited by (PB), from The Conservative Party. He will also obtain more information on the ‘Marco Polo’ programme and report back to the committee members.
The contribution and, editorial service provided by, (GB) towards the ‘Longer Heavier Vehicles’ paper is acknowledged by the committee. The carbon foot print item is noteworthy. The issue of burning bio-fuels at power stations was also debated.
The Central London Partnership is to be contacted by the chairman.
We have established an e-mail communication channel with the promoters of the proposed ‘Park-side 2010’ rail connected development.
The BRB land sales issue from P Lawrence is recorded below.
The Chairman updated those present to the research and compilation time that went in to the heavy lorry paper. A formal acknowledgement had been forthcoming from the consultants.
3481. REPORTS.
Union News
(PB) Provided information on drivers concerns in context to noise levels within class 66 locomotives cabs. (GT) noted; this issue had been recorded before and that a modification programme to lower the sound decibels was to be carried out by the operators concerned. This had also appeared in industry safety publications. It was generally felt that while this class is regarded as a ‘bullet-proof’ fleet machine, the welfare of the train crew became secondary in the original specifications.
East-West Rail Link
(PW) Responded to an item contained within reports (see below) from K Dyall. He said the East-West rail link would be invaluable to freight in the future, even with the planned cross-county freight route(s) under consideration / development. In particular the additional capacity alleviates some of the issues surrounding the proposed ‘Cross-Rail’ project. He went on to provide information on the eastern and western sections and detail on the Bedford locale. The chairman recalled that the freight element had been underplayed previously. In response (PW) said there are different options in the scheme. It was thought that a basic freight template in terms of route availability and gauge is required to make it viable for freight usage. A full summary is available (on request) to (PW).
Heritage Railways
(TR) Had observed problems gaining access to a heritage line by certain steam locomotives, following engineering work on the national railway interface. It seems the gauge under a bridge had altered after re-ballasting!
(Post meeting note: (HFJ), is working at Peak Rail, over the bank holiday weekend).
Rail Freight Group.
(PW) Had supplied a written report on his attendance at an RFG conference in London previously, this had been circulated by e-mail, and mentioned in the paper newsletter sent out to interested parties. He gave those in attendance a further update on the day’s events and in particular the discussions that had took place with delegates from, EWS, Tees Port and
Victa Westlink. He recalled that the latter company noted welcomed contact details and other information associated with potential traffic opportunities.
The chairman said he had received an up to date RFG directory so contact details are on file. In terms of attending the two-day RFG summer rail freight conference (5th and 6th June 2007), it was likely to be beyond our budget allocation, even for attendance on one day only. This said the RFG Conference to be held in Newcastle on the 4th of July is a possibility. The Chairman will facilitate and enquire to the availability of (LD) or perhaps (TR) attendance.
Areas-Traffic Gains/Losses.
(PB) Reported that he had made a ‘trip out’ to observe his regions rail freight activity. He commented on the recommencement of cement traffic to Moorswater, though had not established its origin, as reports conflicted to the use of Westbury or the original Hope source.
He noted the general loss of parcels traffic throughout the country, and asked if our committee should add this to their list of campaign priorities? The Chairman recalled our extensive research and subsequent publication of a paper entitled ‘mixed-trains’, that covered parcels movements. He said that the recipients showed little or no interest in the subject. It was felt that ‘parcels’ could be analysed again by combining other study elements outlined.
Report from the North East.
EWS are to close Thornaby TMD on Teeside due to loss of work, (The Boulby
Cleveland Potash contract lost to Freightliner HH). Depot may well get demolished and fuel point built in Tees yard. Land earmarked for redevelopment into retail and Leisure complex. Rumour of this over 10 years ago so may well be true. Train-crew being cut by 30 Drivers from 80+ to just over 50.
Tyne yard very quiet with ESI coal being quiet after tax year end (normal)
Nissan cars started again.
GBRf started ESI Tyne Dock - Drax, 2 day, new wagons, though train-crew issues concerning new recruits (obtained) from EWS, this has lead to both parties terminating individual’s employment.
FT - item on Ports, noted.
(KD) Raised the following issues by e-mail. The proposed East-West link (noted above), the site at Cricklewood (currently subject to an urban regeneration project) and the proposed development at Radlett. The Chairman responded by saying that the waste transfer site is active at Cricklewood, but the redundant carriage shed, used as a general goods unloading point is out of use. The former railhead must be retained, or an alternative provided, within the scheme. The latter could be replaced by a warehouse at Neasden (subject to the companies agreement), which is currently not receiving traffic and further afield there are facilities at, Barking under-utilised, also with good access to the North Circular trunk road, albeit via the A13 trunk road beforehand.
(PB) Added that any proposed land sales ought to be consulted and recorded on the ORR website. He also thought the promoters at Radlett will appeal against the recent planning decision. This item is to be confirmed.
(DH) Had telephoned the chairman to report on the project to upgrade the Brigg route for more intensive freight use. This is one of those situations where, its closure for works to commence conflicts with its role as a diversionary route. The timescale is therefore likely to slip from that originally given by the infrastructure maintainer.
(TR) Reported on his attendance at regional events entitled, ‘Stakeholder Briefing-Rail-freight Improvements on the Humber. This event was held in a hotel on the north bank of the Humber at Hessle, not far from the shadow of the Humber Bridge. This included a press briefing. Steve Taylor, Project Director of the Humber Economic Partnership, introduced it and there were three brief PowerPoint presentations by Chris Geldard (ABP), Geoff Bounds (Network Rail) and John Jarvis from the (Northern way).
Additionally he attended a Rail Freight forum called, ‘Moving Forward-The Northern Way’ in Doncaster. This event had a number of presentations from guest speakers and the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of ‘experts’. The subject of a North Sea Train-ferry was put to the speakers, with Derrick Potter (of the Potter Group) responding. He stated that he knew the person who had proposed the idea, and as a train ferry would not be able to carry anywhere near the same number of containers as a container ship the same size, the idea was not economic.
The committee members were also briefed on local press coverage of Hull and Goole ports, including residents’ protests on increases of rail freight trains, and to an article in ‘IFW’ on UK ferry ports (North sea). More information can be obtained, from HYPERLINK "http://www.ifw-net.com" www.ifw-net.com
He also communicated information on rail routes that could avoid the East Coast Main Line, including an illustration of junction layouts. These could aid coal traffic movements.
Items on interchanges have been included under item (3482).
(GT) Reported on his attendance at a society International and EU Committee meeting, held in London, and the debate that had taken place on cross Channel rail freight. He briefed the attendees on a number of aspects, including the urgent need to facilitate a commercial rate for the variable toll fee.
He noted information on planning applications for rail served facilities in Kent, at Maidstone and the proposed site titled under ‘Crayford’ marshes. One new railhead coming on stream in Essex is the cement-loading site on North Thames-side, near Purfleet.
The background to the LHV response paper was provided, with members adding comment to the dangers of these proposed vehicles. He also noted the final Freight Utilisation Strategy Document had been published. Though it’s downloading had been problematic to date. (PB) has a hard copy of this and will endeavour to bring it with him to the next meeting.
(PW) Reported on routes around Ely are to become bi-directional. He also commented on the definition of fragile routes. This item was debated in context to the contents of rail industry publications. The land transport issues at Stansted Airport noted. The chairman said previous correspondence is on file to this planning application. It is noteworthy that this location contains a major cargo-facility. To aid his ‘submission’, reference to an RFG consultation paper may be helpful.
3482. LAND USE AND PLANNING. (HFJ).
The promoter of this agenda item was not in attendance on the day, so the Chairman provided some background information to this item. (HFJ) had expressed concerns to the number of large-scale developments that have road only access and that this seemed to be an ongoing problem. In his professional capacity (PB) added comment on planning policy guidance and the changes proposed for the transport aspects. He is working on an article for our societies publication and made further reference to the draft paper on satellite warehousing compiled by (GT).
(PW) noted urban rail sites that could be utilised for certain traffics, this is discussed in more detail under item (3483). Due to the complexities of this subject it will remain as an agenda item for future meetings to provide for additional input on, land use, planning guidance and interchange developments. (GT) noted that there are clusters of major transport premises situated close to trunk road and motorway nodes. These facilities have been constructed in isolation to the railway network. He also pointed out that pallet; parcel and numerous distribution supply chains are solely built around road transport. On the positive side major property promoters are now including rail connections, or passive provision for rail connectivity within their plans for large warehousing / transport depots developments.
(TR) Provided literature he had obtained from www.helioslough.com this company is developing the SIRFT project at Sheffield, to be constructed on brown-field land, once occupied by the extensive Tinsley marshalling yard. This facility can accommodate up to 870,000 sq ft (80,825 sq m) of high bay distribution space, all with dedicated rail sidings. Located close to junction 33 of the M1, SIRFT offers bespoke design and build opportunities and speculative development for occupation in 2007. (Source the promoter). The rail partner is EWS. Further information can be found on helioslough.com
Another development by the same company is Nimbus Park, Thorne, near Doncaster. This site has provision for a consented rail connection, with a proposed link to the Doncaster/Hull line, with access to the ECML. Its plans show an inter-modal facility and a reserved rail access corridor and dedicated loading sidings and yard. Though these are welcome its vast warehousing units do not seem to be directly rail served and are predominately designed for road trailers to cross-dock at the loading / unloading bays. Further information is available at their website HYPERLINK "http://www.nimbuspark.com" www.nimbuspark.com A selection of colour brochures were passed to the chairman for future reference.
The chairman brought to the attention of the committee members, information contained on the Rail Freight Group website, that has links to all the major interchange developments in progress, with rail connections or the possibility of a rail interface. He recalled a site at Swindon that has a large rail served warehouse and mainline connection that to date has not been occupied. This highlighted the fact that a number of other rail facilities are moribund or at best are in abeyance. (PB) commented that some facilities are not located in the right parts of the country or may be poorly served by the trunk or motorway network. Further details on existing locations and sites was proposed, with members encouraged to undertake an audit of their regional facilities.
3483. THE CARGO -TRAM CONCEPT. (HFJ).
In the absence of the promoter this item was discussed in outline to establish the potential of light rail and its utilisation in a freight context. The chairman noted a previous debate on the subject and will make further enquires via a link to www.irta.org
In addition both (PB) and (PW) are travelling to the continent shortly and hope to observe the example of a cargo-tram at a Volkswagen plant in Germany. This item, if integrated with other subjects, such as parcels and mail and urban retail railheads could form a campaign priority under the auspicious title of ‘innovative rail projects’. The chairman noted previous industry papers on these ideas and others like mini-modal and Freight Multiple Unit’s. He will make contact with a pro-rail consultant who has been involved in several projects, to gain his views.
3484. CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES. (GT).
Subject ideas, papers and projects debated above were seen as good starting points. So the following items are listed for future reference and agenda items. In addition (PB) would like The Channel Tunnel added as a priority, to lobby for the continuation of freight trains.
Other ideas are welcome to support these three key themes as recorded below.
1. Land Use, Planning and Interchange Developments.
2. Innovative Rail Projects.
3. The Channel Tunnel.
3485. OUTER HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT. (PL/MY).
This agenda number, was utilised on the day, to discuss the various correspondence received, relating to the land sales issues at Great Yarmouth and its impact on the proposed Outer Harbour development at this locale. (PB) Said the local authority should stiffen their resolve to the sale of railway land at the site of Vauxhall sidings. (PW) noted the use of the siding to load fertilizer previously and information supplied by (MY) in his presentation to committee members. The chairman enquired as to whether we had a contact name or publicity material that appertains to the harbour development? (PB) said he will contact (PL) and (MY) to follow up this agenda item. The suggestion of rail charter usage by N Stevens, Development and Communications Manager, at The Rail Freight Group is noted. The Chairman would forward all communications to date to (PB) to aid his investigations.
3487. DATE (S) AND TIME (S) OF THE NEXT MEETING (S).
The next meeting is on the 28th July 2007 in Derby. The venue suggested is the ‘Brunswick’ Public House. The chairman will facilitate the room hire with (DH).
GARY TINSEY, CHAIRMAN, RAILFUTURE FREIGHT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,
Gary Tinsey
Rail Freight Group Meeting, Wednesday 21st. February 2007.
Excel Centre, London Docklands, including Railtex Exhibition.
Peter Wakefield's commentary.
I attended the the latest conference on behalf of the Committee. The Conference was in the same conference centre as the Railtex exhibition and thus a good opportunity was given to look at some of the technology now employed on the railway, though little was specifically aimed at freight. Indeed, the theme of most of the conference was "technology" and some of the jargon and acronyms were a little over my head!
1. Update: Tony Berkeley, Chairman RFG.
The Chairman outlined the current key issues being worked on by the group. These included: access charges for freight which the ORR say should be higher. However, EWS have done worldwide research on best practise and argue they should drop by 40%-60%; branch line access and funding for freight is being discussed as Network Rail want to cap the number of trains allowed on them; DfT's HLOS and SOFA are both coming to fruition and will need responses; the Transport Innovation Funding will be announced soon and will be useful to rail in that capacity will be added; CrossRail "quiet" at the moment although talks continue with NWR about capacity for freight growth. ORR will decide on the number of freight trains needed; common rail carbon emmissions data needs to be agreed so that accurate comparisons can be made with road transport.
2. Victa Westlink Rail Ltd.. Neil Sime, Managing Director.
Mr. Sime described the emergence of Victa Westlink Rail from the collapse and putting into administration of Victa FM. Victa Westlink was created on December 19th. 2006 as "a low overhead" operation based at Derby and Hoo Junction. The company has extensive route knowledge and its strategy is to build its core business in all sectors. It aims to "complement" rather than competing with existing operators. It is to develop new to rail as well as its existing businesses.
The company's resources were described as "its great expertise" and a flexible "can-do, will-do" attitude, plus 22 mega-3 wagons (ex Lafarge piggy back cement experiment vehicles , that apparently failed as a result of the company not going ahead with its super new works in Kent.), 88 megafrets from ex CT flows, now employed on Hams hall - Moss End services. They have access to 3 to 5 class 66 locomotives and have orders with EMD for some more for a 2008 delivery.
VWL's current terminals are Tilbury/Purfleet, Daventry/Hams Hall, Widnes and Moss End/Grangemouth. They wish to develop multi-user intermodals on the ECML and on other routes. Rail freight has a cost advantage and there are increasing " green" opportunities and they are to work with "TPLs", retailers, industry and are willing to share services, resources and apply "traditional rail skils" creatively.
During the Q and A session, Mr. Sime stressed the companies strategy is for multi-user services and it was willing to set up services without pre-contracts. This what the logistic industry wants and the strategy has been well received.
3.
a. Technical Standards for interoperability - keep up or lose out!: Chris Carr, Jane Dobson, DfTInteroperability support team.
The implications for UK railfreight of EU directives for "interoperability" were explained in this briefing. These include EC directive 96/48/EC - High Speed Interoperability;
EC Directive 01/16/EC - Conventional Interoperability; The UK Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006 and quite a few more! All these regulations are aimed at providing a competitive European Railway system through common standards, economies of scale, the introduction of new equipment. The streamlining of processes should ensure safety, lack of duplication, unneccessary checks, certainty,and all be within a single process. Railfreight will be affected in particular in regards to rolling stock noise, new wagon and other rolling stock introduction, signalling, operation and management, IT. The whole process is managed by the DfT. I have a copy of the DfT presentation and committee members will be given a copy at the next meeting, if they so wish!
b. Mandatory IT Standards for Rail Freight across Europe: Monika Heiming Secretary General for the European Railfreight Association.
Ms. Heiming is based in Brussels. Her presentation was about EU mandatory directives about IT language. This has to be compliant with all EU operators and with other modes, competing or otherwise, an exemption being industrial railways. She indicated that certain huge continental railway undertakings were being slow in compliance!
During the Q and A session it was pointed out that UK railways were already in compliance through TOPS etc., indeed were ahead of the game. However, as with all systems, good data needs to be imputted. The DfT representatives at the meeting, pointed out that they would protect UK interests in these matters.
4. Industry Sustainable Rail Programme: Andrew Grainger, Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, Rail Safety and Standards Board.
This was a useful presentation that was subtitled "Sustainable Development for the Railway." The RSSB is the appointed forum for developing the sustainable agenda for the railway part of the UK transport industry. This agenda is being developed through a "3 category model" of individual companies; the rail industry; UK transport policy. The main issues being energy use, fuel efficiency, regenerative braking, emissions trading systems.
The main research projects the RSSB have underway are sulphur free diesel; bio diesel; regenerative braking; improving efficiency in traction energy use; further electrification; climate change effects on the infrastructure.
The RSSB is committed to making a positive "Sustainable Case for rail", to be published in the Summer of 2007; a "Sustainable Development Review" ; "A Thirty Year Development Strategy", to be published in the Summer of 2008.
In the Q and A session it was asked if the RSSB could develop a sustainable case for a fully integrated freight transport model that included bulk haul, bulk break, local delivery by small battery vehicles. The reply was that the RSSB IS analysing where emissions are on the TOTAL journey.
Another point raised was if a comparison had been made of the rolling resistance between steel tyred vehicles and those made of rubber. The answer was "there are not any up- to- date figures but it was an important issue."
Other points raised concerned the tare weight of rail vehicles where it was revealed rail companies have ongoing work on mass; emission trading and the fact that whatever happened in the future, rail must be on an equal or level playing field with other modes in any comparisons made.
5. Gauge Measurement and what it means: Sean Symons, Director of Network, Laser Rail Ltd..
In this presentation, Laser Rail explained how they measured the network using new techniques and a variety of vehicles to determine the gauge. Their work is vital in that they have both speeded-up and made cheaper the physical process, so that a record of the entire network is being quickly created.One immediate result has been to show that the gauge on some vital routes is not as restrictive as first thought, including between Felixstowe to Nuneaton and Southampton to Birmingham. This has considerably reduced the overall enhancement budget.
6. Progress report on freight on the Channel Tunnel and CTRL: Tony Berkeley, Chairman RFG.
At the end of the conference, the Chairman outlined the current situation regarding railfreight and the Channel Tunnel.The news is bleak in that the Eurotunnel has adopted a high rates policy to increase revenue including a recent 24% hike. Needless to say the opposite has happened and only 4 services per day now survive.... Unilog being the latest company to pull out. (He explained some oddities of the trans-tunnel rate that included a transit of 17,772euros at 100kph and 6,366euros at140kmph.) Eurotunnel has the tunnel as a franchise and have an obligation to complete a network statement but this has proved to be non-compliant.
Nothing has been been settled with London & Continental Railways concerning the CTRL freight rates. These should be settled in the Spring. However, L&CR have cautiously conceded 20 paths each way but only at night.
The meeting ended at 13.00.
ON SATURDAY, THE 05th MAY 2007, COMMENCING AT 13:30hrs.
AGENDA: - (SPONSOR).
3477. ROLL CALL & APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Members in attendance: Philip Bisatt (PB), Tony Ross (TR), Gary Tinsey (GT), Chairman and Acting Secretary, Peter Wakefield (PW), Vice-Chairman.
Apologies received by. Eric Barbery (EB), Lee Davies (LD), David Harby (DH), and Mike Young (MY). The long-term ‘standing’ apologies of, Eric Layfield (EL), Secretary, and Steve Wilkinson (SW) were recorded. (Post meeting), (Henry Frampton-Jones), (HFJ).
The chairman commented on his disappointment, as to the numbers in attendance today. Though he took into account the health issues of several members and the working and domestic commitments of others. On a more positive note he underlined the commitment of ‘core’ attendees and our regional ‘corresponding members’, who together, kept the committee active and worthwhile.
3478. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING (Place Peterborough 16.12.06).
Accepted as a true record. (PW), Seconded by (TR).
3479. MATTERS ARISING.
The pre-enquiry Felixstowe branch - TWA meeting was attended by the Chairman. (TR) has been unable to obtain a ‘DVD’ as yet. (3470),
The ORR freight access charges consultation was responded to jointly by (GT) and (PB), with support from contributors.
The site visit to Hull Docks is in progress, (see below).
The (JA) Central Railway information will be analysed by (GT).
The papers supplied by (EB) were passed to (PB) for his perusal and actions as required.
Mr A J Beale request for a copy of our ‘LHV’ document will be copied and posted by (GT).
The suggested new chord by A Bevan noted.
A reply is still awaited by (PB), from The Conservative Party. He will also obtain more information on the ‘Marco Polo’ programme and report back to the committee members.
The contribution and, editorial service provided by, (GB) towards the ‘Longer Heavier Vehicles’ paper is acknowledged by the committee. The carbon foot print item is noteworthy. The issue of burning bio-fuels at power stations was also debated.
The Central London Partnership is to be contacted by the chairman.
We have established an e-mail communication channel with the promoters of the proposed ‘Park-side 2010’ rail connected development.
The BRB land sales issue from P Lawrence is recorded below.
The Chairman updated those present to the research and compilation time that went in to the heavy lorry paper. A formal acknowledgement had been forthcoming from the consultants.
3481. REPORTS.
Union News
(PB) Provided information on drivers concerns in context to noise levels within class 66 locomotives cabs. (GT) noted; this issue had been recorded before and that a modification programme to lower the sound decibels was to be carried out by the operators concerned. This had also appeared in industry safety publications. It was generally felt that while this class is regarded as a ‘bullet-proof’ fleet machine, the welfare of the train crew became secondary in the original specifications.
East-West Rail Link
(PW) Responded to an item contained within reports (see below) from K Dyall. He said the East-West rail link would be invaluable to freight in the future, even with the planned cross-county freight route(s) under consideration / development. In particular the additional capacity alleviates some of the issues surrounding the proposed ‘Cross-Rail’ project. He went on to provide information on the eastern and western sections and detail on the Bedford locale. The chairman recalled that the freight element had been underplayed previously. In response (PW) said there are different options in the scheme. It was thought that a basic freight template in terms of route availability and gauge is required to make it viable for freight usage. A full summary is available (on request) to (PW).
Heritage Railways
(TR) Had observed problems gaining access to a heritage line by certain steam locomotives, following engineering work on the national railway interface. It seems the gauge under a bridge had altered after re-ballasting!
(Post meeting note: (HFJ), is working at Peak Rail, over the bank holiday weekend).
Rail Freight Group.
(PW) Had supplied a written report on his attendance at an RFG conference in London previously, this had been circulated by e-mail, and mentioned in the paper newsletter sent out to interested parties. He gave those in attendance a further update on the day’s events and in particular the discussions that had took place with delegates from, EWS, Tees Port and
Victa Westlink. He recalled that the latter company noted welcomed contact details and other information associated with potential traffic opportunities.
The chairman said he had received an up to date RFG directory so contact details are on file. In terms of attending the two-day RFG summer rail freight conference (5th and 6th June 2007), it was likely to be beyond our budget allocation, even for attendance on one day only. This said the RFG Conference to be held in Newcastle on the 4th of July is a possibility. The Chairman will facilitate and enquire to the availability of (LD) or perhaps (TR) attendance.
Areas-Traffic Gains/Losses.
(PB) Reported that he had made a ‘trip out’ to observe his regions rail freight activity. He commented on the recommencement of cement traffic to Moorswater, though had not established its origin, as reports conflicted to the use of Westbury or the original Hope source.
He noted the general loss of parcels traffic throughout the country, and asked if our committee should add this to their list of campaign priorities? The Chairman recalled our extensive research and subsequent publication of a paper entitled ‘mixed-trains’, that covered parcels movements. He said that the recipients showed little or no interest in the subject. It was felt that ‘parcels’ could be analysed again by combining other study elements outlined.
Report from the North East.
EWS are to close Thornaby TMD on Teeside due to loss of work, (The Boulby
Cleveland Potash contract lost to Freightliner HH). Depot may well get demolished and fuel point built in Tees yard. Land earmarked for redevelopment into retail and Leisure complex. Rumour of this over 10 years ago so may well be true. Train-crew being cut by 30 Drivers from 80+ to just over 50.
Tyne yard very quiet with ESI coal being quiet after tax year end (normal)
Nissan cars started again.
GBRf started ESI Tyne Dock - Drax, 2 day, new wagons, though train-crew issues concerning new recruits (obtained) from EWS, this has lead to both parties terminating individual’s employment.
FT - item on Ports, noted.
(KD) Raised the following issues by e-mail. The proposed East-West link (noted above), the site at Cricklewood (currently subject to an urban regeneration project) and the proposed development at Radlett. The Chairman responded by saying that the waste transfer site is active at Cricklewood, but the redundant carriage shed, used as a general goods unloading point is out of use. The former railhead must be retained, or an alternative provided, within the scheme. The latter could be replaced by a warehouse at Neasden (subject to the companies agreement), which is currently not receiving traffic and further afield there are facilities at, Barking under-utilised, also with good access to the North Circular trunk road, albeit via the A13 trunk road beforehand.
(PB) Added that any proposed land sales ought to be consulted and recorded on the ORR website. He also thought the promoters at Radlett will appeal against the recent planning decision. This item is to be confirmed.
(DH) Had telephoned the chairman to report on the project to upgrade the Brigg route for more intensive freight use. This is one of those situations where, its closure for works to commence conflicts with its role as a diversionary route. The timescale is therefore likely to slip from that originally given by the infrastructure maintainer.
(TR) Reported on his attendance at regional events entitled, ‘Stakeholder Briefing-Rail-freight Improvements on the Humber. This event was held in a hotel on the north bank of the Humber at Hessle, not far from the shadow of the Humber Bridge. This included a press briefing. Steve Taylor, Project Director of the Humber Economic Partnership, introduced it and there were three brief PowerPoint presentations by Chris Geldard (ABP), Geoff Bounds (Network Rail) and John Jarvis from the (Northern way).
Additionally he attended a Rail Freight forum called, ‘Moving Forward-The Northern Way’ in Doncaster. This event had a number of presentations from guest speakers and the opportunity to ask questions to a panel of ‘experts’. The subject of a North Sea Train-ferry was put to the speakers, with Derrick Potter (of the Potter Group) responding. He stated that he knew the person who had proposed the idea, and as a train ferry would not be able to carry anywhere near the same number of containers as a container ship the same size, the idea was not economic.
The committee members were also briefed on local press coverage of Hull and Goole ports, including residents’ protests on increases of rail freight trains, and to an article in ‘IFW’ on UK ferry ports (North sea). More information can be obtained, from HYPERLINK "http://www.ifw-net.com" www.ifw-net.com
He also communicated information on rail routes that could avoid the East Coast Main Line, including an illustration of junction layouts. These could aid coal traffic movements.
Items on interchanges have been included under item (3482).
(GT) Reported on his attendance at a society International and EU Committee meeting, held in London, and the debate that had taken place on cross Channel rail freight. He briefed the attendees on a number of aspects, including the urgent need to facilitate a commercial rate for the variable toll fee.
He noted information on planning applications for rail served facilities in Kent, at Maidstone and the proposed site titled under ‘Crayford’ marshes. One new railhead coming on stream in Essex is the cement-loading site on North Thames-side, near Purfleet.
The background to the LHV response paper was provided, with members adding comment to the dangers of these proposed vehicles. He also noted the final Freight Utilisation Strategy Document had been published. Though it’s downloading had been problematic to date. (PB) has a hard copy of this and will endeavour to bring it with him to the next meeting.
(PW) Reported on routes around Ely are to become bi-directional. He also commented on the definition of fragile routes. This item was debated in context to the contents of rail industry publications. The land transport issues at Stansted Airport noted. The chairman said previous correspondence is on file to this planning application. It is noteworthy that this location contains a major cargo-facility. To aid his ‘submission’, reference to an RFG consultation paper may be helpful.
3482. LAND USE AND PLANNING. (HFJ).
The promoter of this agenda item was not in attendance on the day, so the Chairman provided some background information to this item. (HFJ) had expressed concerns to the number of large-scale developments that have road only access and that this seemed to be an ongoing problem. In his professional capacity (PB) added comment on planning policy guidance and the changes proposed for the transport aspects. He is working on an article for our societies publication and made further reference to the draft paper on satellite warehousing compiled by (GT).
(PW) noted urban rail sites that could be utilised for certain traffics, this is discussed in more detail under item (3483). Due to the complexities of this subject it will remain as an agenda item for future meetings to provide for additional input on, land use, planning guidance and interchange developments. (GT) noted that there are clusters of major transport premises situated close to trunk road and motorway nodes. These facilities have been constructed in isolation to the railway network. He also pointed out that pallet; parcel and numerous distribution supply chains are solely built around road transport. On the positive side major property promoters are now including rail connections, or passive provision for rail connectivity within their plans for large warehousing / transport depots developments.
(TR) Provided literature he had obtained from www.helioslough.com this company is developing the SIRFT project at Sheffield, to be constructed on brown-field land, once occupied by the extensive Tinsley marshalling yard. This facility can accommodate up to 870,000 sq ft (80,825 sq m) of high bay distribution space, all with dedicated rail sidings. Located close to junction 33 of the M1, SIRFT offers bespoke design and build opportunities and speculative development for occupation in 2007. (Source the promoter). The rail partner is EWS. Further information can be found on helioslough.com
Another development by the same company is Nimbus Park, Thorne, near Doncaster. This site has provision for a consented rail connection, with a proposed link to the Doncaster/Hull line, with access to the ECML. Its plans show an inter-modal facility and a reserved rail access corridor and dedicated loading sidings and yard. Though these are welcome its vast warehousing units do not seem to be directly rail served and are predominately designed for road trailers to cross-dock at the loading / unloading bays. Further information is available at their website HYPERLINK "http://www.nimbuspark.com" www.nimbuspark.com A selection of colour brochures were passed to the chairman for future reference.
The chairman brought to the attention of the committee members, information contained on the Rail Freight Group website, that has links to all the major interchange developments in progress, with rail connections or the possibility of a rail interface. He recalled a site at Swindon that has a large rail served warehouse and mainline connection that to date has not been occupied. This highlighted the fact that a number of other rail facilities are moribund or at best are in abeyance. (PB) commented that some facilities are not located in the right parts of the country or may be poorly served by the trunk or motorway network. Further details on existing locations and sites was proposed, with members encouraged to undertake an audit of their regional facilities.
3483. THE CARGO -TRAM CONCEPT. (HFJ).
In the absence of the promoter this item was discussed in outline to establish the potential of light rail and its utilisation in a freight context. The chairman noted a previous debate on the subject and will make further enquires via a link to www.irta.org
In addition both (PB) and (PW) are travelling to the continent shortly and hope to observe the example of a cargo-tram at a Volkswagen plant in Germany. This item, if integrated with other subjects, such as parcels and mail and urban retail railheads could form a campaign priority under the auspicious title of ‘innovative rail projects’. The chairman noted previous industry papers on these ideas and others like mini-modal and Freight Multiple Unit’s. He will make contact with a pro-rail consultant who has been involved in several projects, to gain his views.
3484. CAMPAIGN PRIORITIES. (GT).
Subject ideas, papers and projects debated above were seen as good starting points. So the following items are listed for future reference and agenda items. In addition (PB) would like The Channel Tunnel added as a priority, to lobby for the continuation of freight trains.
Other ideas are welcome to support these three key themes as recorded below.
1. Land Use, Planning and Interchange Developments.
2. Innovative Rail Projects.
3. The Channel Tunnel.
3485. OUTER HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT. (PL/MY).
This agenda number, was utilised on the day, to discuss the various correspondence received, relating to the land sales issues at Great Yarmouth and its impact on the proposed Outer Harbour development at this locale. (PB) Said the local authority should stiffen their resolve to the sale of railway land at the site of Vauxhall sidings. (PW) noted the use of the siding to load fertilizer previously and information supplied by (MY) in his presentation to committee members. The chairman enquired as to whether we had a contact name or publicity material that appertains to the harbour development? (PB) said he will contact (PL) and (MY) to follow up this agenda item. The suggestion of rail charter usage by N Stevens, Development and Communications Manager, at The Rail Freight Group is noted. The Chairman would forward all communications to date to (PB) to aid his investigations.
3487. DATE (S) AND TIME (S) OF THE NEXT MEETING (S).
The next meeting is on the 28th July 2007 in Derby. The venue suggested is the ‘Brunswick’ Public House. The chairman will facilitate the room hire with (DH).
GARY TINSEY, CHAIRMAN, RAILFUTURE FREIGHT SERVICE AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE,
Gary Tinsey
Rail Freight Group Meeting, Wednesday 21st. February 2007.
Excel Centre, London Docklands, including Railtex Exhibition.
Peter Wakefield's commentary.
I attended the the latest conference on behalf of the Committee. The Conference was in the same conference centre as the Railtex exhibition and thus a good opportunity was given to look at some of the technology now employed on the railway, though little was specifically aimed at freight. Indeed, the theme of most of the conference was "technology" and some of the jargon and acronyms were a little over my head!
1. Update: Tony Berkeley, Chairman RFG.
The Chairman outlined the current key issues being worked on by the group. These included: access charges for freight which the ORR say should be higher. However, EWS have done worldwide research on best practise and argue they should drop by 40%-60%; branch line access and funding for freight is being discussed as Network Rail want to cap the number of trains allowed on them; DfT's HLOS and SOFA are both coming to fruition and will need responses; the Transport Innovation Funding will be announced soon and will be useful to rail in that capacity will be added; CrossRail "quiet" at the moment although talks continue with NWR about capacity for freight growth. ORR will decide on the number of freight trains needed; common rail carbon emmissions data needs to be agreed so that accurate comparisons can be made with road transport.
2. Victa Westlink Rail Ltd.. Neil Sime, Managing Director.
Mr. Sime described the emergence of Victa Westlink Rail from the collapse and putting into administration of Victa FM. Victa Westlink was created on December 19th. 2006 as "a low overhead" operation based at Derby and Hoo Junction. The company has extensive route knowledge and its strategy is to build its core business in all sectors. It aims to "complement" rather than competing with existing operators. It is to develop new to rail as well as its existing businesses.
The company's resources were described as "its great expertise" and a flexible "can-do, will-do" attitude, plus 22 mega-3 wagons (ex Lafarge piggy back cement experiment vehicles , that apparently failed as a result of the company not going ahead with its super new works in Kent.), 88 megafrets from ex CT flows, now employed on Hams hall - Moss End services. They have access to 3 to 5 class 66 locomotives and have orders with EMD for some more for a 2008 delivery.
VWL's current terminals are Tilbury/Purfleet, Daventry/Hams Hall, Widnes and Moss End/Grangemouth. They wish to develop multi-user intermodals on the ECML and on other routes. Rail freight has a cost advantage and there are increasing " green" opportunities and they are to work with "TPLs", retailers, industry and are willing to share services, resources and apply "traditional rail skils" creatively.
During the Q and A session, Mr. Sime stressed the companies strategy is for multi-user services and it was willing to set up services without pre-contracts. This what the logistic industry wants and the strategy has been well received.
3.
a. Technical Standards for interoperability - keep up or lose out!: Chris Carr, Jane Dobson, DfTInteroperability support team.
The implications for UK railfreight of EU directives for "interoperability" were explained in this briefing. These include EC directive 96/48/EC - High Speed Interoperability;
EC Directive 01/16/EC - Conventional Interoperability; The UK Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006 and quite a few more! All these regulations are aimed at providing a competitive European Railway system through common standards, economies of scale, the introduction of new equipment. The streamlining of processes should ensure safety, lack of duplication, unneccessary checks, certainty,and all be within a single process. Railfreight will be affected in particular in regards to rolling stock noise, new wagon and other rolling stock introduction, signalling, operation and management, IT. The whole process is managed by the DfT. I have a copy of the DfT presentation and committee members will be given a copy at the next meeting, if they so wish!
b. Mandatory IT Standards for Rail Freight across Europe: Monika Heiming Secretary General for the European Railfreight Association.
Ms. Heiming is based in Brussels. Her presentation was about EU mandatory directives about IT language. This has to be compliant with all EU operators and with other modes, competing or otherwise, an exemption being industrial railways. She indicated that certain huge continental railway undertakings were being slow in compliance!
During the Q and A session it was pointed out that UK railways were already in compliance through TOPS etc., indeed were ahead of the game. However, as with all systems, good data needs to be imputted. The DfT representatives at the meeting, pointed out that they would protect UK interests in these matters.
4. Industry Sustainable Rail Programme: Andrew Grainger, Sustainable Development Co-ordinator, Rail Safety and Standards Board.
This was a useful presentation that was subtitled "Sustainable Development for the Railway." The RSSB is the appointed forum for developing the sustainable agenda for the railway part of the UK transport industry. This agenda is being developed through a "3 category model" of individual companies; the rail industry; UK transport policy. The main issues being energy use, fuel efficiency, regenerative braking, emissions trading systems.
The main research projects the RSSB have underway are sulphur free diesel; bio diesel; regenerative braking; improving efficiency in traction energy use; further electrification; climate change effects on the infrastructure.
The RSSB is committed to making a positive "Sustainable Case for rail", to be published in the Summer of 2007; a "Sustainable Development Review" ; "A Thirty Year Development Strategy", to be published in the Summer of 2008.
In the Q and A session it was asked if the RSSB could develop a sustainable case for a fully integrated freight transport model that included bulk haul, bulk break, local delivery by small battery vehicles. The reply was that the RSSB IS analysing where emissions are on the TOTAL journey.
Another point raised was if a comparison had been made of the rolling resistance between steel tyred vehicles and those made of rubber. The answer was "there are not any up- to- date figures but it was an important issue."
Other points raised concerned the tare weight of rail vehicles where it was revealed rail companies have ongoing work on mass; emission trading and the fact that whatever happened in the future, rail must be on an equal or level playing field with other modes in any comparisons made.
5. Gauge Measurement and what it means: Sean Symons, Director of Network, Laser Rail Ltd..
In this presentation, Laser Rail explained how they measured the network using new techniques and a variety of vehicles to determine the gauge. Their work is vital in that they have both speeded-up and made cheaper the physical process, so that a record of the entire network is being quickly created.One immediate result has been to show that the gauge on some vital routes is not as restrictive as first thought, including between Felixstowe to Nuneaton and Southampton to Birmingham. This has considerably reduced the overall enhancement budget.
6. Progress report on freight on the Channel Tunnel and CTRL: Tony Berkeley, Chairman RFG.
At the end of the conference, the Chairman outlined the current situation regarding railfreight and the Channel Tunnel.The news is bleak in that the Eurotunnel has adopted a high rates policy to increase revenue including a recent 24% hike. Needless to say the opposite has happened and only 4 services per day now survive.... Unilog being the latest company to pull out. (He explained some oddities of the trans-tunnel rate that included a transit of 17,772euros at 100kph and 6,366euros at140kmph.) Eurotunnel has the tunnel as a franchise and have an obligation to complete a network statement but this has proved to be non-compliant.
Nothing has been been settled with London & Continental Railways concerning the CTRL freight rates. These should be settled in the Spring. However, L&CR have cautiously conceded 20 paths each way but only at night.
The meeting ended at 13.00.