... according to new research from the Campaign for Better Transport, which investigated lorry travel across four of Britain’s busiest freight routes.
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.”
Meanwhile, the government is now considering a "pay-per-mile" scheme for lorries to cover the cost of damage to UK roads.
New research from @CBTransport @FreightonRail shows just 2,000 fewer HGVs on the road would mean 10% reduction in air pollution https://t.co/ZMUMc1VHEM pic.twitter.com/fd1casc2Mx— Roads to Nowhere (@Roads2Nowhere) December 20, 2017
Did you know that a 44 tonne 16.5 metre truck is 136,000 times more damaging to road surfaces than a Ford Focus. - measured by the Generalized Fourth Power Law used by professionals. https://t.co/zYQiuHYNmm— FreightonRail (@Freightonrail) December 8, 2017
By maximising innovative smart logistics solutions like #railfreight, we're helping to boost #productivity and minimise HGV movements. Read more on our dedicated page here: https://t.co/7RZxciw7UW pic.twitter.com/HyZJIhRkBC— Tarmac (@TarmacLtd) December 20, 2017
