Freight boost
A TEESPORT boss has welcomed plans for a new fleet of high-speed Super Express trains - but says improvements to freight capacity should be pushed up the political agenda.
Martyn Pellew, group development director at PD Ports, said the new trains - announced yesterday by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon - would help to boost passenger flow in and out of Teesside and free up more freight capacity.
But he also urged ministers to commit to financing improvements to the East Coast Main Line - which would cost around £50m.
He said: “It can cost up to £50m to fix a roundabout on the road. Freight capacity is a here and now issue.
“The Government could commit this money in the short term to ensure longer-term economic benefits for the region.”
The first of the new trains will be introduced on the East Coast Mainline in 2013 and enter full service from 2015, linking London with Hull, York and Newcastle.
Ministers say they will offer more seats, more reliable services and reduced journey times.
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