Rail electrification plan welcomed

23 July 2009

Plans for the electrification of the railway between South Wales and London have been welcomed by Friends of the Earth Cymru.

Gordon James, director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, said:

"The decision to electrify the railway between south Wales and London is good news as electric trains produce up to a third less carbon emissions than diesel trains. This climate benefit will increase in the future as more of our electricity will be generated from renewable energy sources.

"A cleaner and more reliable service should also encourage more people to use the train instead of the car.

"This investment could also provide a great opportunity for a new transport gateway to south Wales by building a surface crossing over the river Severn to replace the ageing Severn Tunnel. It could also incorporate a tidal generating system and flood defences for the upper reaches of the Severn thus providing multiple benefits.

"We need the Government to fulfil its pledge to massively expand the proportion of our energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar power, to ensure our rail network is clean, green and contributes to making real cuts in greenhouse gas emissions at home."

For further information, contact Friends of the Earth Cymru on 029 2022 9577