20.12.17
Switching from lorries to freight trains could cut air pollution by 10%
Making the switch from HGVs to trains for freight travel could lead to 10% less air pollution from NOx across the country, says new research from the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT).
Following an investigation into lorry travel across four of Britain’s busiest freight routes, the analysis has shown that a potential 18 fewer people could be killed or seriously injured every year.
If the switch was made it could mean as many as 2,000 less HGVs on the road, leading to a 7% reduction in particulates from all road traffic on the routes and 2.5% reduction in carbon emissions.
The research looked at the A14 between Felixstowe and the Midlands, the A34 from Southampton to the Midlands, and the M6 and M62 motorways, which together carry around 37,500 HGVs every day.
Along with the environmental benefits on offer, the conclusions suggest that changes to freight delivery could be achieved by 2025 and would bring a major reduction in congestion along the studied routes.
Any changes would involve some significant infrastructure work, as track would have to be upgraded to allow for freight to run effectively.
Philippa Edmunds, manager of Freight on Rail – a partnership between the CBT, unions and the freight industry – said the government should use this research as a catalyst for future policies.
“This research shows that by upgrading the existing rail lines which run parallel to these motorway routes would allow large numbers of lorry loads to be transferred to rail, easing congestion, improving air quality and reducing road collisions,” she commented.
“In particular the effect on reducing particulates is very important because, whilst the latest euro VI engine technology reduces exhaust particulates, non-exhaust particulates pollution from HGV tyres and brakes remain a serious problem for which there is no current solution, especially for trucks which have large tyres.
“The government should use the findings of this research to feed into its future road and rail investment strategies and in particular to support continued investment in the strategic rail freight network.”
Last month, Edmunds wrote for RTM about the importance of rail freight in Britain’s transport system, positing that the socioeconomic value of this sector was often overlooked.
Network Rail today announced its own freight measures, with the introduction of £150m of in-cab signalling systems.
This new technology, which forms part of the country’s Digital Railway Programme, will improve the safety of freight trains, make better use of the network and provide greater flexibility in the timetable.
Top image: Freight on Rail
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