§ Lord Bradshawasked Her Majesty's Government:
What initiatives are being taken by train operating companies to improve fuel consumption of trains and restrict dangerous emissions; and what encouragement these initiatives are receiving from official sources.[HL6272]
§ Lord Macdonald of Tradeston:All operators have a policy of engine monitoring through emissions testing and sampling of fuel and engine oil to predict signs of engine degradation that could cause poor emissions. New trains are also now being built with engines which meet the same emissions regulations as applied to vehicles used in the bus and truck industries.
Train and rolling stock operating companies have also been working on existing train fleets to reduce the level of emissions emanating from their vehicles. This includes projects to re-equip older locomotives with modern engines.
All of these initiatives also serve to improve fuel consumption.
The Strategic Rail Authority works with the rail operators under directions and guidance from government, which require it to contribute to the 10-Year Plan targets for improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gases.