Four times less carbon to travel by train - Pope

2.14.00pm GMT Mon 28th Jan 2008

Travelling by plane to key mainland UK destinations uses four times more carbon than the equivalent journey by train, research by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats has found.

These statistics back up claims by the London Assembly Liberal Democrats that the expansion of the third runway at Heathrow is unnecessary and unwanted.

A journey from London to Manchester takes 75 minutes less by train and saves around 390 kilograms of carbon.

In the second week of January, an average of five flights from Heathrow to mainland UK destinations were cancelled per day.

Commenting on these statistics, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesman on the London Assembly, Geoff Pope said:

"Our research shows that it is greener and often faster to travel by train in mainland UK. We should improve on transport links from London by investing in high-speed rail to the North and Scotland, and not by expanding the third runway at Heathrow.

"I urge Londoners to voice their objections on Heathrow expansion as there is only a month to go before the public consultation paper is due."

ENDS

1. Figures obtained by London Assembly Liberal Democrats using information from BAA, DfT and Virgin Trains. The figures compare journey times and kilograms of carbon produced for travel to key mainland UK cities from London by plane and by train. Journey time by plane allows for an hour and a half check-in but does not include travel to or from airport.

2. The Government's consultation on the expansion of Heathrow Airport can be found on the DfT website at www.dft.gov.uk. The deadline for completion is 28 February 2008.

Related Links:

Carbon emissions for travelling by train and plane in mainland UK

BAA Flights to and from Heathrow