The UK Government’s new interim target of 40% rail freight growth by 2040 builds on the long-term ambition first set in December 2023, when Ministers committed to at least 75% growth by 2050. Together, these targets signal a decisive shift – freight is no longer a background function of the rail system, but a strategic lever for economic resilience, decarbonisation and community benefit. From a public and political perspective, this matters, because delivering freight growth isn’t just about trains and terminals – it’s about infrastructure investment, the buy-in for which relies on public and political confidence. In turn, this rests on a compelling story about how freight supports the places people live, work and rely on. a compelling story about how freight supports the places people live, work and rely on.
Not just logistics – freight growth is about infrastructure
According to the Department for Transport, the interim growth target anticipates 65% growth in high‑value goods, 45% increase in construction materials and a 7% increase in critical goods. This means the UK will need new terminals and interchanges, upgraded corridors and pinch-point relief on the existing rail network, better integration with road networks and ports and planning support to unlock investment.
These are long‑term, politically sensitive, high-impact projects, and they succeed only when the narrative is clear, credible and grounded in local benefit.
Communities and decision-makers need to understand the value of rail freight infrastructure
Rail freight is often misunderstood. Communities see diesel trains, noise and construction disruption, but rarely the benefits. In fact, rail freight:
- Produces 76% less CO₂ per tonne than road haulage
- Contributes £2.45bn per year to the UK economy, with 90% of benefits felt outside London and the South East
- Strengthens domestic supply chains by reliably moving critical materials (construction aggregates, white goods, food, automotive parts, minerals)
- A single freight train can remove up to 129 HGVs from the road network, easing congestion, improving road safety and reducing road maintenance costs
And it is estimated that that meeting the 2040 target will save a million tonnes of CO2 per year compared to if the freight went by road.
Turning freight strategies into a story people understand
To the public, this looks like numbers on a page, not a compelling case for freight.
For Copper and the wider industry, it is vital that we translate technical freight strategies and information into clear, understandable narratives. To show why a new terminal matters to a local business park; why a passing loop supports regional growth; and why a construction compound is temporary, but its benefits are permanent.
This is what helps projects earn legitimacy and trust, not just consent.
But how?
Freight projects earn legitimacy when they build trust early and sustain it throughout the lifecycle. That means shaping the narrative from the outset, clearly setting out why the project is needed, what problem it solves and who benefits, and giving communities human‑centred explanations that translate technical freight strategy into everyday impacts like fewer HGVs, cleaner air, safer roads and stronger supply chains. Legitimacy also comes from visible commitments that show how disruption will be managed and what long‑term value will remain, alongside a consistent presence that keeps people informed, listened to and supported throughout planning and delivery.
Engaging early, building lasting support
Crucially, projects must address concerns head‑on through briefings, social media updates, newsletters, drop-ins and community liaison groups, acknowledging issues like noise, land take or traffic and demonstrating credible mitigation, while also building political confidence so decision‑makers understand both the strategic importance of freight and the local benefits it unlocks. This is the work that turns freight strategy into deliverable infrastructure, infrastructure that communities understand, decision‑makers support and investors back.
Get in touch
If you’re shaping freight infrastructure, or planning to, get in touch with our rail lead, Zoe, to discuss how to build early support and keep it throughout planning and delivery: zoe.spring@copperconsultancy.com.