According to an article published by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, the Government’s new rail minister has called for diesel-only trains to be “removed from the tracks” by 2040, and he is asking the industry to provide a vision for decarbonisation by the autumn.

In his first major speech in his new role, Jo Johnson said Britain needs to be more environmentally ambitious.

“I would like to see us take all diesel-only trains off the track by 2040. If that seems like an ambitious goal, it should be — and I make no apology for that.

“We are committed to ending the sales of petrol and diesel cars by 2040; if we can achieve that, then why can’t the railway aspire to a similar objective?”

Jenifer Baxter, head of engineering policy at the IMechE (www.imeche.org), said about the Government’s plans to phase out diesel-only trains by 2040: “Phasing out diesel-only trains is an important step, but achieving the transition to a low-carbon transport network will require the introduction of a mix of different technologies and policies.

“The Government has outlined plans to phase out diesel trains by 2040; over the course of the next 20 years, we may see the introduction of hybrid trains using diesel and battery technologies — as well as hydrogen trains — on lines where electrification is cost-prohibitive.

“In the interim, it may be appropriate to retrofit technology such as stop-start capability on existing diesel locomotives, reducing emissions while trains are standing at platforms.

“There is also the option of bi-mode trains that can run on both electrified and diesel lines.

“However, these have higher capital and maintenance costs than pure electric trains; and as they are heavier, they also emit even more emissions than diesel trains when operating in diesel mode.”