§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what rail facilities grants are available to(a) rail operators and (b) commercial and industrial concerns who wish to gain better access to the rail network. [107347]
§ Mr. HillTwo grants are available through my Department.
Freight Facilities Grant is available to any company facing higher costs as a result of choosing to move freight by rail rather than road. These grants assist with the capital costs often associated with rail movements (eg rail infrastructure and specialised loading/unloading equipment).
Additionally, Track Access Grants may be paid to rail operators to help defray Railtrack charges for access to the rail network in respect of traffic which would otherwise move by road.
Funding may also be provided from a number of other sources and agencies including Government Departments, Regional Development Agencies and the European Commission.