Implications for the rail freight sector of stricter European Union locomotive emission limits: a UK perspective

The European rail freight sector has grown exponentially over the past twenty to thirty years as the limitations of road transport have become increasingly apparent.† Moreover, moving more freight by rail is seen as a greener alternative.†† Thus, in some respects it is a case of ‘back to the future’ and the halcyon days when the majority of freight was moved by rail; although it must be acknowledged that in the twenty-first century the bulk of freight is still moved by road and this is likely to be the case for the foreseeable future. This has resulted in an unprecedented demand for new motive power. A number of European rail freight companies have had their chequebooks out in recent years in order to increase capacity and fulfil contracts