Stephen Hammond visits Freightliner

• 
• 13th July 2009
• Materials Handling
 

From left to right: Stephen Hammond, Shadow Minister for Transport, Paul Smart, Managing

Freightliner Group were pleased to welcome Stephen Hammond, MP, to its maintenance depot in Leeds on Friday.The Shadow Minister for Transport has made several visits to Freightliner sites across the UK in order to broaden his understanding of the rail freight industry.

The maintenance depot in Hunslet is responsible for the repair and scheduled maintenance of Freightliner's fleet of diesel locomotives and coal wagon fleet. Operating under the banner of Freightliner Maintenance Limited who since inception in 2006 now employ over 70 people - 42 of whom are based in Leeds

Lindsay Durham, Head of Rail Strategy, Freightliner Group Ltd, said,"We welcome the opportunity to have discussions with Mr. Hammond on the future growth of rail freight in the UK, and how the rail freight industry can help achieve future government policies on climate change and reduce congestion and accidents on our roads. At this exciting time before the next election it is important that the railway demonstrates how it can contribute to the future success of the UK and add value to the economy by becoming more efficient and responsive to its customers. We know that Mr Hammond recognises the need for certainty and stability in policy-making in transport and that increasing rail freight use is an important goal for the Conservatives."

Stephen Hammond, Shadow Minister for Transport, added, "The Conservative Party recognises that rail freight is a vital part of the UK supply chain and that it plays a very important role in tackling climate change and congestion. Following the publication of our rail review we continue to have discussions with key players within the industry to understand what policies can be developed to maximise the benefits of reduced carbon emissions and relieving congestion from our road network. We recognise the role that Freightliner has played over the last 10 years since privatisation in promoting modal shift and increasing rail market share."

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