It is vital that reviews of the British rail industry and of railway infrastructure enhancement projects take into account the needs of freight. 

This is according to the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which emphasised the fact that rail freight is a core component of the UK's international and domestic supply chains. 

Responding to the publication of the Bowe Review into the planning of the Enhancements Programme for Network Rail, the FTA urged the government to consider the lessons of current enhancement schemes such as the Strategic Freight Network. 

Many of these initiatives have gone over budget and been delayed, causing some disruption to national rail freight. 

Rail freight policy manager at the FTA Chris MacRae said: "It is essential that Network Rail understands what has led to the delays and cost overruns so that it can avoid repeating the same mistakes on forthcoming projects."