Freight could be part of Levenmouth’s rail future

Councillor Colin Davidson and Levenmouth Rail Campaign members have argued that a freight line should be part of the restoration.

This week, Network Rail said it would look how it could make the most out of the new investment, including freight opportunities.

Graham Stewart, Network Rail’s sponsor for the Levenmouth rail project, said: “All of our railways are open to freight as well as passenger use and in reinstating the Leven line, we will also look at options as to how we can get best value from this investment by enabling future freight opportunities – which will retain the possibility of running services to Methil docks and exploring the potential to create a freight terminal at Cameron Bridge.

“We continue to work with Transport Scotland, Fife Council and other key stakeholders to develop proposals and we will share information with the wider community and give them the opportunity to comment on our plans before any final decisions are made.”

Cllr Davidson welcomed the recent news that the rail link was due to be completed in 2023, with construction work starting late next year, but said that freight requirements need to part of the project straight away.

The Leven councillor, and LMRC, have argued that a freight line would help take lorries off the road, including Standing Stane, and allow big firms, like Diageo, to use rail instead to transport their products.

“We need to create the freight facilities for these companies to use,” Cllr Davidson said.

“We need to try and support the haulage companies by moving it from the road to rail.

“Freight has to be part of the solution to meeting the carbon footprint targets.

“Transport Scotland has indicated that grants are available for freight facilities.”

Cllr Davidson is chairing a working group that is looking at re-opening lines to Leith, Rosyth and Methil for Forth Ports and the Scottish government.

LMRC argued earlier this year that a freight line would help ease congestion on the Standing Stane.