Environmental report ‘overlooks’ role of trams

TRAMFORWARD, the campaigning arm of the

Light Rail Transit Association, says it is disappointed with a Department for Transport study into decarbonising transport as it glosses over the important role played by tram and metro systems.

Trams have very low carbon emissions, while the low rolling resistance of steel wheels on steel rails uses less energy than rubber tyres on roads.

Trams are also reported to have a better track record of encouraging modal shift from private to public transport than buses, which is one of the DfT’s main aims in reducing emissions.

TramForward says it would not suggest trams can replace buses everywhere, but their use on the most heavily used urban routes would go a long way to reducing roadside pollution.