British Transport Minister, Jo Johnson, on Monday announced ambitious plans for a green revolution on Britain’s rail network by phasing out polluting diesel engine trains.

In a keynote speech at the British Museum, Mr. Johnson, who is also minister for London, set 2040 as the ambitious goal for the end of diesel trains.

“If that seems like an ambitious goal, I make no apology for that.

“We’re committed to ending sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

“Why can’t the railway aspire to a similar objective?’’ he said.

Mr. Johnson said the average speed of vehicles in the center of London was now only 12.8 km/ph during the day and if it carried on declining, before long it would reach the walking pace of a horse.

“Meanwhile, polluting rail emissions have increased by 33 per cent since 1990,’’ he said.

He said that he wanted to see batteried-powered trains between the electric sections of the network.

He added that maybe in the future they could see those batteries and diesel engines replaced with hydrogen units.

Mr. Johnson said he wanted to see hydrogen train trials on Britain’s railway network as soon as possible.

“Hydrogen offers an affordable, and potentially much cleaner, alternative to diesel, so the next generation of trains is just around the corner,’’ he added.

In a strong message, Mr. Johnson said to the rail industry to speed their journey towards a zero-carbon railway.

“The government is investing record amounts in public R&D to improve our knowledge base.

“So today I am calling on the railway to provide a vision for how it will de-carbonise and I expect the industry to report back by the autumn,’’ Mr. Johnson said.

(Xinhua/NAN)