Question reference: S6W-26546
- Asked by: Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 28 March 2024
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Current status: Answered by Fiona Hyslop on 17 April 2024
Question
To ask the Scottish Government how it will address any challenges around decarbonising rail freight, especially on less busy lines "where network electrification is unlikely to be cost-effective", in light of the Climate Change Committee’s recommendation in its 2023 Report to Parliament.
Answer
Freight transported by rail (whether hauled by diesel or electric locomotives) is an environmentally friendly mode of transport and a significant proportion of Scottish rail freight is already electrically-hauled. The Scottish Government’s leadership in support for rail freight is outlined in our rail freight strategy and put into practice with significant investment and through our regulatory rail freight growth targets.
We will carefully consider the report’s recommendations. The Scottish Government will continue to seek to maximise benefits for rail freight in its investments in the rail network, including in the refresh of the rail decarbonisation action plan highlighted by the Climate Change Committee.