The UK Government has announced plans to phase-out the usage of diesel-only trains by 2040 as part of an initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

UK Railway Minister Jo Johnson is expected to make a speech calling on the industry to devise plans to phase-out diesel-only trains, reported The Financial Times.

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Approximately 29% of the UK locomotive fleet currently runs of diesel.

"We welcome this announcement, as it will ensure that the rail industry continues to be one of the most environmentally friendly modes of travel."

It was previously announced last year that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be prohibited in the country from 2040 in order to address growing air pollution.

The usage of petroleum-based combustion engines within the rail sector is noted to be one of the primary contributors to rising air pollution rates.

Railway Industry Association (RIA) technical director David Clarke welcomed the announcement to terminate the usage of diesel-only trains by 2040.

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He said: “We welcome this announcement, as it will ensure that the rail industry continues to be one of the most environmentally friendly modes of travel and it sets an ambitious target, which will require significant innovation from the industry.

“Currently 29% of the fleet on the UK’s rail network is diesel.

“To replace these, we will need to install overhead power lines for electrification, or use on-board energy storage from technology such as batteries or hydrogen fuel cells, or a combination of both.

“This is therefore a big challenge for the industry, but one which I think it can and will look forward to meeting.”

RIA is the representative body for UK-based suppliers and currently comprises a membership of around 200 companies.