- Rail Minister launches review to ensure air quality standards
and regulations are fit for purpose following concerning findings
that air quality on some diesel trains is poorer than desired
- government-funded research, conducted by independent Rail
Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) on 6 types of train, has
identified issues
- RSSB findings come as the industry collaborates on research
and potential short-term solutions
Research funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and conducted by
RSSB, on 6
types of train, has found that air quality
levels on some trains, while operating under diesel power, is
poorer than desired.
The report published today (16 September 2021) has independently
concluded that the quality of air on services remains within
legal workplace limits. There is already cross-industry research
underway to understand the issue and identify short-term and
long-term solutions.
However, in response to the report, DfT has asked the RSSB to publish the full
findings and has commissioned a review of all the regulations and
standards that currently control air pollution and people’s
exposure to it on the rail network. This will include on-board
services as well as in stations.
The report shows measurements of pollutants including nitrogen
dioxide and particulate matter throughout the duration of train
journeys. It demonstrates that on-train concentrations of
nitrogen dioxide can peak at levels ranging from 1 to 13 times
higher than identified next to major central London roads. Peaks
most frequently occur when trains are in tunnels or idling in
stations.
While this is verified as within legal limits, the government is
committed to ensuring passengers and staff can be reassured that
the railways meet the very highest standards. This could include
updating or strengthening existing railway standards on air
quality.
DfT has also
commissioned further research, managed by RSSB, to help better
understand the scale of the air quality issue on board trains and
to identify potential causes and solutions. This work will
include measuring air quality levels inside a further 8 train
classes in service across the country’s rail network.
The work forms part of the broader Air Quality Strategic
Framework, which details RSSB’s recommended
approach for monitoring, modelling and mitigation. Most recently,
this has included kicking off a £4.5 million Stations Air Quality
Monitoring Network to focus on measuring air quality at train
stations across England and Wales and provide high quality and
robust data.
Rail Minister
said:
The safety of staff and passengers is our absolute priority.
While these findings are within limits, I do not believe people
should have to accept anything less than the highest levels of
air quality.
I have asked the industry to immediately conduct further research
and explore all engineering modifications and options to rapidly
improve air quality on trains and in stations.
I have also launched a comprehensive review of the current
standards and guidance related to air quality on the rail
network. If required, we will not hesitate to strengthen
legislation to ensure the highest standards of air quality are
met and maintained.
At the request of DfT, industry has already begun
to conduct further investigations.
RSSB’s
Director of Sustainable Development, George Davies, said:
Collectively the rail industry and government have been working
with us through the Air Quality Strategic Framework to identify
the right monitoring, modelling and mitigation.
Our important research is helping us understand the issue in much
greater depth enabling the rail industry, government and
regulator to take the necessary steps.
We look forward to continuing this work and ensuring the rail
network plays its part in addressing poor air quality.
This new review forms part of broader work by the government to
ensure passengers and staff can have confidence in air quality on
their services, which includes working with stakeholders such as
the Rail Delivery Group
and the RSSB to trial the
use of upgraded air filtration devices on passenger services.