The last diesel locomotive is due to depart ... in 2040

IF our railways are known for one thing, it’s delays – so banishing every last diesel-only train could take some time.

It is understandable, then, that ministers have given themselves a rather generous deadline to do so... 2040.

UK rail minister Jo Johnson, however, sees it somewhat differently.

In his first speech since being appointed last month, Mr Johnson will say today: ‘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.

‘After all, we’re 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?’

With increased passenger numbers resulting in greater carbon emissions, Mr Johnson will add that modernisation of the network has been ‘palpably slow’.

He wants diesels to be replaced with greener alternatives such as electric-powered locomotives. He will also call for trials of ‘affordable’ hydrogen-powered trains to start ‘as soon as possible’.