Railway Freight Connectivity and Modal Shift Bill

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Ensure good railway connections with all ports to enable efficient transportation of freight between ports and inland terminals. This Act aims to invest in additional freight routes, fostering a modal shift from road to rail for long-distance freight transportation, thereby promoting sustainable and efficient logistics in the United Kingdom.

BE IT ENACTED by the King’s Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, as follows:

Section 1: Definitions

1(a) "Ports" refer to seaports, inland ports, and other relevant transport terminals facilitating the movement of goods through waterborne transportation.

1(b) "Railway Connections" include railway lines, infrastructure, and associated facilities connecting ports with inland terminals.

1(c) "Freight" pertains to any goods, cargo, or materials transported for commercial purposes.

1(d) “RailFreight” pertains to the name of nationalised operator founded as per Railways Act 2022

Section 2: Development of Railway Connections

2(a) The government shall comprehensively assess the existing railway connections between ports and inland terminals to identify gaps and areas requiring improvement.

2(b) Based on the assessment in 2(a), the government shall develop a prioritised plan for investment in additional freight routes, emphasising connectivity to ports with high freight volumes.

2(c) The government shall collaborate with relevant port authorities, RailFreight, and other stakeholders to facilitate the development of railway connections, ensuring the efficient movement of freight.

2(d) The Department for Transport (DfT) shall oversee and coordinate the implementation of the investment plan outlined in 2(b), providing necessary funding and resources.

Section 3: Modal Shift Promotion

3(a) The government shall implement measures to incentivise and facilitate a modal shift from road to rail for long-distance freight transportation.

3(b) The DfT shall introduce financial incentives, tax benefits, or grants to encourage businesses and logistics providers to choose rail as the preferred mode of transporting freight between ports and inland terminals.

3(c) The DfT, in collaboration with RailFreight, shall ensure competitive pricing, adequate capacity, and reliable services for freight transportation, creating favourable conditions for businesses to switch from road to rail.

3(d) The government shall promote public awareness campaigns to educate businesses, consumers, and the general public about the environmental and economic benefits of rail freight transportation.

Section 4: Monitoring and Reporting

4(a) The DfT shall establish a monitoring and reporting framework to track the progress of railway connectivity improvements and modal shift objectives outlined in this Act.

4(b) Regular reports shall be submitted to the Parliament, summarising the progress made, challenges faced, and plans regarding railway connections and modal shifts.

4(c) The government shall review and update the investment plan, strategies, and incentives periodically based on the reports and evolving needs of the freight transportation industry.

4(a) The Secretary of State shall establish a monitoring and reporting framework by order of secondary legislation to track the process of railway connectivity improvements and modal shift objectives outlined in this Act.

4(b) Pursuant to point 4(a) orders by secondary legislation shall be subject to negative procedure. 4(c) Regular reports shall conducted by the Department for Transport following each development stage, and shall be presented to Parliament where the reports shall—

(i) summarise the progress made at each development stage,

(ii) summarise the challenges faced,

(iii) detail the ongoing and further plans regarding railway connections and modal shifts, and (iv) make recommendations on the evolving needs of the transport sector.

4(d) The Secretary of State in response to the report mentioned in point 4(c) shall—

(i) review and update the investment plan where deemed necessary to align with the findings of the Departmental report, and (ii) review and update policy strategies where deemed necessary to align with the findings of the Departmental report.

Section 5: Funding

5(a) The funding required to implement the provisions of this Act shall be allocated from the national budget, subject to the approval of the Parliament. The government shall prioritise the allocation of funds for the development of railway connections with ports and the promotion of modal shifts in freight transportation.

5(b) In addition to government funding, the government shall explore opportunities for public-private partnerships and seek investments from relevant stakeholders, including port authorities, RailFreight, and logistics companies, to enhance the financial resources available for the implementation of this Act.

5(c) The government may also seek financial assistance from international funding bodies, if deemed necessary, to support the development of railway connections and modal shift initiatives in line with the United Kingdom's commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation.

5(d) The Department for Transport shall be responsible for managing and disbursing the allocated funds in accordance with the approved investment plan, ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.

5(e) The government shall periodically review the funding requirements and adjust the allocation as necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the provisions outlined in this Act, considering the evolving needs and priorities of the freight transportation sector.

Section 6: Extent, Short Title and Commencement

6(a) This Act may be cited as the Railway Freight Connectivity and Modal Shift Act.

6(b) This Act shall come into force three months after receiving Royal Assent.

6(c) This Act applies to England only, unless–

a. a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, in which case it shall also apply to Scotland, or

b. a Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Senedd Cymru, in which case it shall also apply to Wales, or

c. Legislative Consent Motion is passed in the Northern Ireland Assembly, in which case it shall also apply to Northern Ireland.

This bill was submitted by u/Leftywalrus CBE, 1st Baron Wetwang on behalf of the Official Opposition.

Opening speech:

My Lords,

I rise today to address this esteemed House on an issue of utmost importance - the Railway Freight Connectivity and Modal Shift Act. It is a matter that deeply concerns our nation's transportation system and has significant implications for our economy, environment, and communities.

The proposed Act aims to enhance the railway connections with our ports, facilitating the efficient movement of freight between these vital gateways and inland terminals. It also seeks to promote a modal shift, encouraging the majority of long-distance freight transportation to transition from road to rail, thus reducing congestion and mitigating the environmental impact associated with heavy road usage. We must recognise the potential benefits of such an initiative. By investing in additional freight routes and bolstering our railway infrastructure, we can bolster the competitiveness and efficiency of our logistics networks. This, in turn, can bolster trade, create job opportunities, and improve the overall economic prospects of our nation.

However, as representatives of the people, it is our duty to examine the proposed legislation diligently, ensuring that it is well-crafted, equitable, and in the best interest of our constituents. We must assess the practicality and feasibility of the plans put forth, scrutinising the funding mechanisms and ensuring they are adequate, transparent, and efficiently utilised.

Furthermore, we must consider the impact on the businesses involved in freight transportation, especially those operating on long-distance routes. We must strike a balance, providing them with incentives and support to make the transition to rail, while also ensuring that they do not face undue burdens or disruptions that could hinder their operations or jeopardise their viability.

As legislators, we have a responsibility to ensure that any proposed legislation aligns with our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. We must carefully examine the environmental implications of this Act, ensuring that the modal shift towards rail truly delivers on its promise of reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and promoting a greener future for our nation. In conclusion, I urge all members of this House to engage in constructive debate and deliberation on the Railway Freight Connectivity and Modal Shift Act.

Let us scrutinise the details, propose necessary amendments, and work collectively to shape legislation that meets the aspirations of our nation, benefits our economy, and fosters a sustainable and efficient freight transportation system.

Thank you.

This division will end at 10pm on the 9th August.