Transport for LondonRail freight
We want to encourage businesses to move their goods by rail, by providing space for more trains, and more depots to receive these trains.
Rail freight can have a major impact on reducing road traffic, with a single train carrying as much as 50 lorries.
The construction industry in London receives around half of its deliveries by rail. Such traffic is currently growing due to the boom in construction and the growth of imports from the Far East.
A single train can carry as much as 50 lorries
There is also significant through-traffic, especially from ports.
Please note that we do not provide rail freight grants. For these, please refer to the Department for Transport.
Rail Freight Strategy
We published our Rail Freight Strategy (PDF 1.40MB) in September 2007. This sets out how we intend to increase rail freight in London and cope with the simultaneous growth of through freight traffic and passenger flows. There is also a list of sites that we believe are suitable for new or expanded rail freight services.
Toolkits
As part of the London Rail Freight Strategy, we have produced two planning toolkits, which are guidance notes for London boroughs.
The Planning Policy Toolkit (PDF 3.47MB) provides a reference point for London Borough planning policy makers, to assist with the protection of rail freight sites through the development plan-making process.
The Development Control Toolkit (PDF 2.3MB) makes the planning process for rail freight planning applications more efficient, and helps to achieve a high quality final development, while considering all the relevant issues.
The toolkits are complemented by a list of potential sites that we believe are suitable for new or expanded rail freight services and an accompanying guidance note. Please email stephenknox1@tfl.gov.uk for copies of these documents.
