Rail electrification needed now to counter climate change

November 25 2010

The UK government's decision to delay funding for the electrification of the Paddington to Swansea railway line has been criticised by Friends of the Earth Cymru.

The Director of Friends of the Earth Cymru, Gordon James, said:

"Electrification of the railway line between Swansea and Paddington would reduce pollution [1], shorten journey times and persuade more people to use public transport. The failure to fund this now is a missed opportunity that keeps Wales in the second division when a first class public transport system is needed to counter climate change and boost the green economy.

"It is noticeable that while Wales is being denied this funding, the Westminster government recently announced, in the Comprehensive Spending Review, that billions of pounds will be spent on road building schemes that will fuel climate change [2]."

NOTES

1. The Association of Train Operating Companies estimate that electrification of the railways cuts carbon emissions by around 30% 

2. The Comprehensive Spending Review committed £10 billion for road building projects

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