The SRA’s Network Utilisation Strategy (published on 16 June 2003 after extensive consultation) laid down the framework for a thorough examination of the pathing, timetabling and loadings of passenger and freight trains on key strategic routes.

It is a process that started with the work already under way on the West Coast. Today I am publishing a three month consultation on the SRA’s proposals for capacity and performance improvements on the Midland Main Line, a route heavily used by a number of different operators and with a varied mix of inter-city, commuter, regional passenger and freight traffic."