The Bank Holiday weekend is set to see Brits on the move, making the most of the good weather and extra day off work. However a national campaign by Community Rail Networks tourism arm Scenic Rail Britain is encouraging people to leave the car at home and take the train.
Accounting for 55% of the 2020 carbon dioxide emissions, cars top the list of UK domestic transport emissions. Rail travel produces some of the lowest greenhouse gas emissions, a dramatically decreased level of 3%.
In a move to support measures to address the growing climate emergency the not-for-profit organisation hopes the campaign will motivate the nation to tackle the climate crisis, one day trip at a time. The message simply being 'jump aboard a train, for exciting, fun, eco-friendly outings to the region.'
Chris Tarrant, adventurer, veteran broadcaster and presenter of Channel 5's Extreme Railway Journeys has applauded the Scenic Rail Britain campaign. From the rail travel aficionado's admission of never having been a trainspotter, it is the chance to visit new places that excite him most about rail travel. His love of traveling by train on home soil began when he swapped extreme railways in far off lands to discover more of Britain by rail in 2017.
Tarrant said: “This campaign will hopefully encourage people to take the train more this summer. What’s not to like about sitting back and watching the scenery roll by. Britain has some of the most stunning scenery in the world and a rail journey is part of the adventure.”
Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, overseeing the Scenic Rail Britain campaign said: “We are excited about the Days Out by Rail campaign. We hope to inspire more people to explore our beautiful countryside and fascinating heritage through green and scenic journeys by rail, avoiding the stress and pollution of driving and parking.”
