§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what studies have been undertaken by his Department on the impact of rail freight terminals on local communities. [45130]
§ Mr. JamiesonRail freight facilities are subject to approval under normal planning procedures, which take into account, among other things, the impact on the local environment.
§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the rail freight terminals located in the UK. [45129]
§ Mr. JamiesonA rail freight terminal may be any interface between rail freight services, other modes and storage facilities. They vary enormously in size and scope from a simple siding to a multi-user distribution park. Railtrack's 2001 Network Management Statement gives the number of freight facilities connected to its network, including closed sites and maintenance depots. Railtrack's website, www.freightcommercial.co.uk, contains a list of these facilities. I understand the information is also available from a commercial website, www.railfreightonline.com.
§ David WrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will estimate the level of freight transported by(a) road and (b) rail each year in the UK. [45128]
§ Mr. JamiesonEstimates are not made on an UK basis for both road and rail freight. The latest available comparative figures are for Great Britain in 2000:
(a) road: 1,689 million tonnes lifted and 158 billion tonne-kilometres moved.
(b) rail: 93 million tonnes lifted and 18 billion tonne-kilometres moved.