UK: Containers being moved from Hams Hall near Birmingham to Novara in Italy formed DB Schenker Rail's first loaded freight service over High Speed 1 during the early hours of May 27. DB Schenker is to undertake five loaded trials on the high speed line between London and the Channel Tunnel before the end of June, and said the first was 'an outstanding success'.
Work to introduce freight services on HS1 is being supported by the European Commission's Marco Polo programme.
'The connection we provide to mainland Europe is open to freight and passenger operators', said Nicola Shaw, Chief Executive of high speed line infrastructure concessionaire HS1 Ltd. 'We are delighted to be working with DB Schenker Rail and other freight operators. These successful trials pave the way for the introduction of regular freight services to and from the UK and into Europe.'
