Cross-channel freight shift to rail could see reduced HGV traffic in Folkestone
New transport plan could remove thousands of lorry journeys from Kent roads
Last updated 25th Feb 2026
The Department for Transport has unveiled a new initiative designed to shift cross-channel freight transport from roads to rail, reducing heavy goods vehicle traffic towards Folkestone.
The government-backed £15m investment plan was announced today (25 February 2026) and will see Network Rail and its property development company create an international logistics hub at Barking in east London.
This will allow the return of regular intermodal freight trains carrying cargo in containers through the Channel Tunnel and potentially strengthen and open up new trade links with Europe.
Kent MPs suggest the change could result in 140,000 fewer lorry journeys on Kent's roads each year.
The investment has been welcomed by local authorities, including Folkestone & Hythe District Council, which has been advocating for improved rail freight links.
“We’ve been promoting this for a while now but I never believed it would actually happen. It’s a great result and shows what can be done when people work together to make a difference," Cllr Scoffham, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Biodiversity, said.
Collaborative Efforts in Kent
Folkestone and Hythe, and Ashford councillors, have collaborated with parliamentarians and Network Rail to tackle local concerns about congestion created by emergency traffic management Operation Brock on the M20/A20.
Ashford's MP, Sojan Joseph, praised the announcement, highlighting the positive impact it will have on residents frustrated by lorry-dense roads.
“The return of freight to rail will undoubtably relieve the congestion caused by channel-bound lorries on the M20,” Sojan Joseph said, hoping it will reduce the need for Operation Brock.
Folkestone and Hythe council Leader Jim Martin expressed enthusiasm over the environmental benefits of the rail initiative, underscoring its potential to reduce carbon emissions: “The link will help to reduce carbon emissions and improve our links with mainland Europe.”
Currently, only a limited portion of rail freight passes through the Channel Tunnel.