Figures released by rail regulator the ORR have shown a significant fall in the amount of freight moved in the UK in 2015.
Between April and June, the volume of freight moved by rail fell by 17.7 per cent from 5.56 billion net tonne km in 2014 to 4.58 billion, largely driven by the continued decline in coal.
Four of seven commodities were down on last year. Coal experienced the biggest slump, with just 0.64 billion net tonne km recorded in 2015 – 61.2 per cent less than last year.
In contrast, some areas – like international and construction – reported higher volumes. Other, which includes biomass, domestic waste and mail, also improved.
