Where would we be without our rail system?
For people of all ages, living and working across the country, the UK rail system has been one of our most dependable forms of transport. It gets us where we need to be quickly and easily.
In addition to all these benefits, Britain’s railway systems are set to grow considerably over the next few years. It’s all part of the government’s goals for a more sustainable transport system. The RSSB (Rail Safety and Standards Board) has demanded that a strategy is put in place to help build the UK’s new, more sustainable travel network.
As a key factor in its Transport Decarbonisation Plan and Rail Environment Policy, the government is aiming to regenerate the UK travel network, in order to hit our country’s sustainability goals. Rail travel is at the heart of these big new plans.
What makes rail travel so eco-conscious?
Already, our rail transport is one of the most low-carbon options that we have. In fact, even though it makes up 10% of all UK distance travelled, rail travel is responsible for just 2.5% of the total emissions that come from transport, and only 0.6% of the total emissions in the UK.
What’s more, rail produces 76% less CO2 than road freight, and just one freight train can do the work of around 76 HGVs travelling via road.
As a result, when aiming for sustainability, rail travel is a far more obvious place to start than its competitors. Road, air and sea travel are all responsible for far more emissions, so it makes clear sense to prioritise the development of our railways.
The RSSB is one of the key players in developing the UK’s Sustainable Rail Strategy, which will lay down the plans that translate these targets into actions. According to the RSSB website, “Rail needs to be better recognised as an alternative to driving and flying, with more encouragement for trains to take the strain on carrying more passengers and freight. Shifting mode means decarbonisation can also be driven by choices and behaviour, and not just cleaner and greener technologies. More work is required on the economic analysis, carbon pricing and incentives for rail.”
“RSSB will be taking time to review the “greenprint” and feed it into the development of the new Sustainable Rail Strategy, due for publication towards the end of 2021.”
George Davies, RSSB’s Director of Sustainable Development, has stated that:
“We welcome the publication of the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and Rail Environment Policy – both provide positive ambition and good steering for the development of the new Sustainable Rail Strategy.”
“It’s vital we keep pace with applying cleaner and greener technology to decarbonise transport as a whole, but also really important to help incentivise people and freight make the switch to lower carbon modes like rail.”
We are hugely excited by the developments that these green travel initiatives promise. At Triptex, we are proud to supply railway safety equipment across the nation, to hardworking operatives who are consistently helping Britain to achieve its sustainability targets.