Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 10 September 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 September 2008. It was answered by Tom Harris (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 September 2008 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Exhaust Emissions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many kilograms of carbon dioxide are emitted on average from operating a train along one mile of (a) electrified and (b) diesel.

Answer: The amount of CO2 emitted by diesel and electric trains varies according to the type of train and its operating conditions. Figure 18 from Professor Roger Kemp's recent report on rail traction energy compares the carbon performance of a range of domestic diesel and electric train types. Professor Kemp's report can be found on the internet at the following address:"http://www.rssb.co.uk/pdf/reports/research/T618_traction-energy-metrics_final.pdf"

Secondary information