TSSA calls for switch to sustainable freight on Earth Day

Climate change demo showing placard which reads: one earth

Transport and travel union TSSA is marking Earth Day by calling for an urgent modal shift which would see rail replace road usage as the primary focus of freight.

In line with longstanding policies the union is also calling for rail freight to be nationalised as part of the government’s programme of renewal for the country’s rail network.

Commenting on Earth Day – a global event dedicated to raising awareness about environmental issues – TSSA General Secretary, Maryam Eslamdoust said:

“Our railways are a crucial driver in combatting climate change and moving freight away from roads and onto rails is vital. Doing this has so many benefits – not least in the fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decreasing congestion and improving air quality.

“Rail freight is a truly sustainable option, not only highly efficient but would emit significantly less CO2 than road freight for equivalent distances. With government support, ideally taking freight back into public hands, this modal shift would be a meaningful step towards a transport system which benefits all of us for the long term.”

ENDS

Notes –

Figures show that rail accounts for just under 10 per cent of domestic freight in the UK. More details here - https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/freight-rail-usage-and-performance-april-to-june-2024

TSSA is an independent trade union for the transport and travel industries. We have thousands of members right across the UK and Ireland, working for the railways and associated companies, as well as ferries, bus services and the travel trade.

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