Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Guide to the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) Scheme, published in January 2026, what assessment she has made of the potential for increased rail freight usage at East Tilbury as a result of the scheme; and the potential impact this will have on average daily gate downtime at East Tilbury train station.

The Department for Transport does not collect information about MSRS-supported freight movements via station. The scheme divides Great Britain into 18 zones. Zone 1 covers East Tilbury station.

The Department has not undertaken an assessment of capacity at, or the impact of MSRS-supported flows on, East Tilbury station. However, the published MSRS scheme guidance makes clear that there is scope to support eligible freight flows originating from or operating through Zone 1. Department officials will hold formal reviews with grant recipients over the financial year to assess the performance of each funded freight flow and whether adjustments to payments are needed; this includes taking into consideration route capacity issues raised by grant recipients.

The MSRS continues to support freight movement near East Tilbury station and London Gateway, with 10 freight flows supported in 2026/27 with a total grant award of £6.9m.