Eurotunnel, the company which operates the Channel Tunnel connecting France and the UK by rail, announced today (28 April) that it will reduce its track access charges by 25%. This, along with other changes, will translate to a 50% decrease in access costs, according to the European Commission. This could allow rail freight in the tunnel to double in the next five years.  

The tunnel, which was constructed in 1994, is still not being used to capacity – largely because of high track access charges. On average, only seven rail freight trains run through the tunnel each day – leaving a 43% unused capacity.  

Siim Kallas, the European commissioner for transport, welcomed the announcement, saying it will help the European Union reach its goal of shifting freight from road to rail.  

“It stands to unblock a major bottleneck in Europe’s transport network,” he said. “This is good news for Europe’s businesses that rely on effective and competitively priced transport services and good news for consumers they serve. It is also good news for the environment, as rail is the most energy-efficient way of transporting goods.”  

The decision is a response to the legal investigation opened by the European Commission against France and the UK in June last year for failure to implement European rules on access to rail infrastructure.  

Rail freight tolls for off-peak periods, which are mostly used by freight trains rather than passenger trains, will be reduced by 25%. The toll for the ‘weekend maintenance’ interval will be reduced by 33.3%. The most expensive maintenance period will be reduced from three to two nights per week. The €600 security fee imposed on freight operators will also be eliminated.  

The new charge scheme will start in June and remain in place until at least 2023.  

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