THE focus of the public inquiry into the construction of a huge new container terminal on reclaimed land at Dibden Bay yesterday turned to the issue of rail transport.

One of the criteria used by Associated British Ports (ABP) in its proposals for the terminal was that many of the containers brought into the new port could then be shipped on either on other ships or via the freight train network.

This was seen as the least disruptive method of moving cargo out of the new terminal on to its final destination.

However, the issue of rail usage also proved to be a thorn in ABP's side.

Specifically, Councillor Smith of Marchwood was concerned over the amount of time trains would close level crossings in his ward for.

Statistics suggest the average time big freight trains take to pass crossings would be 2min 57sec, and figures quoted by ABP's consultant transport expert, David Tucker, suggest that at certain times of the day some crossings would be closed for more than 50 per cent of the time.

This, Cllr Smith argued, was to much for too long, and he felt it could lead to dangerous situations where schoolchildren were forced to wait by busy roads while trains passed.

Concern was also raised over the impact increased rail traffic would have on commuter services, and whether passengers would suffer while freight services prospered.

However, Mr Tucker said this wasn't going to happen, and that a passing loop at Basingstoke was planned to allow passenger trains on the route to London to overtake slower freight traffic.

The inquiry resumes again on Monday for its 68th day.

The ultimate decision on whether the container terminal should go ahead is down to the Home Secretary.