Words in [single square brackets] included hyperlinks in the original document
Words in [[double square brackets]] are editorial additions or corrections
Words in [[[triple square brackets]]] indicate embedded images or graphics in the original document. (These are not usually archived unless they contain significant additional information.)
Britain's newly privatised rail companies could benefit from a European Commission plan to introduce "freight freeways" as a move towards open access, said Rail Minister John Watts today.
Speaking at the Transport Council in Luxembourg, Mr Watts said that he "warmly welcomed" the EC White Paper on Railways.
"This White Paper puts a greater emphasis on commercialisation of Europe's rail networks - which echoes our own privatisation programme, " he said.
The Minister was particularly interested in the new idea of "freight freeways" - a network of corridors along which rail freight has open access, with possible priority over other railway traffic.
"While this idea needs further development, I can see that freight freeways could encourage more freight traffic to use rail. That in turn could offer a fresh incentive to freight hauliers who are already gaining from the benefits of rail privatisation in the UK," he said.
The EC said that Europe's railways are subsidised by 30 billion ecu annually and that a new approach was needed. The Presidency will now stage a full debate on the White Paper at the December Transport Council.
Railnews Archive ::: 1996-10-03 DoT-001
related documents
1996-09-19 Watts announces major boost for rail freight (Department of Transport)
1996-08-29 Watts launches prototype rail freight wagon (Department of Transport)
1996-06-06 Final BR freight business to be sold (Department of Transport)
1996-09-19 Watts announces major boost for rail freight (Department of Transport)