Alstom factory: Campaign for Better Transport writes to Transport Secretary
22 March 2024
Campaign for Better Transport has written to the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, urging him to end uncertainty by guaranteeing that rail manufacturing will continue at the Alstom factory in Derby.
Following reports that the future of the site is under threat due to a gap in orders, the charity is also calling on Mark Harper to commit to developing a strategy to ensure a consistent pipeline of rolling stock manufacturing.
In the letter, Paul Tuohy, CEO at Campaign for Better Transport, writes:
“You have been a strong and passionate exponent of growth on our network, supporting and celebrating Restoring Your Railways, with stations and lines reopening across the country from Dartmoor to Northumberland and many more to come. But these lines need trains, the industry needs certainty and, with the climate emergency the issue of our time, long term clarity and investment in public transport has to be an immediate priority, not a last-ditch afterthought.”
Mr Tuohy adds:
“What message would it send if Derby, at the heart of rolling stock production from locomotives in the 1850s to Intercity 125s and amazing Elizabeth Line stock in recent years, the city chosen to be the HQ of Great British Railways, saw its finest factory cease operations in 2024?”
ENDS
For further information please contact the press office on 07984 773 468 (calls only no texts) or communications@bettertransport.org.uk.
Notes to Editors
Read the letter in full.
Campaign for Better Transport operates in England and Wales. Campaign for Better Transport’s vision is for all communities to have access to high quality, sustainable transport that meets their needs, improves quality of life and protects the environment. Campaign for Better Transport Charitable Trust is a registered charity (1101929).
