Rail electrification plans fall far short of UK net zero targets, data shows

Figures obtained by Lib Dems reveal need for eightfold increase to reach greenhouse gas emissions goal by 2050

Plans to electrify the UK's railways are running so far short of what is needed that it would take 240 years at current rates to reach the net zero goal, data has shown.

Over the next three years, to the end of 2025, the UK is set to electrify 162.5km (101 miles) of railway track, which is only about 12% of what is estimated to be needed over that period to be in line with the goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.