Peel Ports Group strongly welcomes the proposal launched today from the Liverpool–Manchester Railway (LMR) Board, highlighting the critical importance of rail freight in driving sustainable economic growth across the North and beyond.
With freight volumes forecast to rise significantly by 2050, the LMR proposals offer a timely and practical solution to easing road congestion, cutting emissions and enhancing the resilience of national supply chains.
The enhanced east–west connectivity outlined in the report would reduce bottlenecks, improve reliability and future-proof infrastructure linking the Port of Liverpool with key markets across the UK.
Claudio Veritiero, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“This report could mark a pivotal moment for the North-west and for UK logistics as a whole. The LMR offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to build a freight network that is fit for the future. It can support economic growth, reduce pressure on our roads and help meet the nation’s net-zero goals.
“We already see the benefits of smarter, more sustainable freight routes in the services we provide customers, but for rail connectivity this is largely limited to routes going north and south because that is where the infrastructure and capacity are.
Investing in the LMR will unlock new opportunities for supply chains across the North. We look forward to working with government, industry and the LMR Board to make this vision a reality.”
Full details of the proposal are available on the Greater Manchester Combined Authority website.
