ROAD TO RAIL
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Earlier this year the EC’s Transport White Paper set targets for transferring long-distance freight from road to rail. On journeys over 300km, 30% of road freight must shift to rail or water by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
Last month the plan was boosted when the Parliament’s Transport Committee voted to support a directive establishing a single European railway area, with each state appointing an independent regulator to prevent discriminatory practices and encourage new rail operators to enter the market. At present, some big operators routinely book slots they don’t need to keep out the competition.
“Liberalisation of rail freight is a priority,” says a spokeswoman for the Transport Committee. “Its participation in freight transport remains small.” She adds that harmonisation of systems will be necessary. “There are seven different gauge sizes and 14 voltages across the EU.”