Call for shift to rail freight to cut emissions

The TSSA travel and transport union has renewed its call for an “urgent modal shift” to move freight transport from road to rail, citing major environmental and public health benefits.

Speaking on Earth Day, TSSA general secretary Maryam Eslamdoust noted that rail accounts for less than 10% of domestic freight in the UK and that increasing its use would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, ease congestion and improve air quality.

The union also reiterated its call for nationalisation of rail freight, as part of the government’s wider programme to reform and renew the rail system.