In a consultation document published today, the Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, has pledged a fundamental review of freight charging policy starting from first principles.

Commenting on the review, Tom Winsor said: "This review should provide greater transparency and predictability for freight operators and users, and help the industry as a whole to respond to the challenge of increasing rail freight’s share of the overall freight market. I will also continue to work closely with the shadow Strategic Rail Authority as it develops its freight strategy as part of its strategic plan."

The existing framework for the approval by the Regulator of freight charges was established in 1995, and some aspects of this framework are now being addressed in the context of the periodic review of Railtrack’s access charges. While freight operators have already made important contributions in relation to efficiency and the structure of charges, the consultation process launched today will ensure that all freight users, operators and funders have an opportunity to comment on freight charging policy.

A copy of the consultation document – Review of freight charging policy – is available as a PDF file here or from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ. Tel: 020 7282 2001; fax: 020 7282 2045; e-mail : orr@dial.pipex.com.

Railnews Archive ::: 2000-05-26 ORR-001