Policy paper

Rail air quality policy statement

Sets out the government’s approach to improving air quality across the passenger railway in England.

• From: Department for Transport
• Published: 26 February 2026

Applies to England

Documents

Rail air quality policy statement

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Details

This policy statement explains what organisations running trains and stations are expected to do to reduce emissions and manage air pollution.

The purpose of this policy statement is to:

• set outcomes and measures for reducing air pollution across the passenger railway
• strengthen monitoring and evidence to support action

The statement covers:

• the mainline passenger railway in England
• stations, trains, depots and sidings where people may be exposed to pollution
• measures to reduce emissions and manage air quality over time

Published 26 February 2026