Discussion
They should have just started the production line running again with these cretins attached to the cars. I'd have loved to have seen the look of realisation of impending doom on the greeny's face as a big robot arm with a spot welder on the end draws ever closer and welds his arm to the chassis. Oh how I would have laughed! 
Cars are more fuel-efficient than trains, claims study
By Paul Marston, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 21/06/2004)
Encouraging travellers to switch from cars and airlines to inter-city trains brings no benefits for the environment, new research has concluded.
Challenging assumptions about railways' green superiority, the study finds that the weight and fuel requirements of trains have increased to the point where rail could become the least energy-efficient form of transport.
Engineers at Lancaster University said trains had failed to keep up with the motor and aviation industries in reducing fuel needs.
They calculate that expresses between London and Edinburgh consume slightly more fuel per seat (the equivalent of 11.5 litres) than a modern diesel-powered car making the same journey.
The car's superiority rises dramatically when compared with trains travelling at up to 215mph.
The Government is considering such a railway to provide extra north-south capacity in the next decade.
Assuming the continuing dominance of fossil fuel-based electricity, the study indicates that suitable French-style rolling-stock would require twice as much fuel per seat as a Volkswagen Passat, and more than a short-haul aircraft.
Prof Roger Kemp, who led the research, said that in its efforts to improve performance after privatisation, the rail industry had "taken its eye off the ball" environmentally.
Virgin's SuperVoyager rolling-stock is estimated to be 40 per cent heavier per seat than the ageing 125s it replaced.
Tilting Pendolino trains, due to come into full operation between London and Manchester in the autumn, are reckoned to weigh more per seat than the forthcoming Airbus A380 double-decker.
Roger Ford, of Modern Railways magazine, said one reason for declining energy efficiency was the impact of health and safety and disability access regulations.
The introduction of crumple zones, disabled lavatories and seating rules for trains travelling over 100mph had added weight and reduced capacity.
"I know this will generate howls of protest, but at present a family of four going by car is about as environmentally friendly as you can get."
The research casts doubt on the Government's conviction that boosting inter-city rail travel will help it meet its environmental targets.
It also undermines the case of those who oppose airport expansion in favour of improved high-speed rail links.
Friends of The Earth expressed surprise at the findings, which it said were not in line with previous studies."
Greenpeace should really be saying "Save the world drive a Range Rover"
By Paul Marston, Transport Correspondent
(Filed: 21/06/2004)
Encouraging travellers to switch from cars and airlines to inter-city trains brings no benefits for the environment, new research has concluded.
Challenging assumptions about railways' green superiority, the study finds that the weight and fuel requirements of trains have increased to the point where rail could become the least energy-efficient form of transport.
Engineers at Lancaster University said trains had failed to keep up with the motor and aviation industries in reducing fuel needs.
They calculate that expresses between London and Edinburgh consume slightly more fuel per seat (the equivalent of 11.5 litres) than a modern diesel-powered car making the same journey.
The car's superiority rises dramatically when compared with trains travelling at up to 215mph.
The Government is considering such a railway to provide extra north-south capacity in the next decade.
Assuming the continuing dominance of fossil fuel-based electricity, the study indicates that suitable French-style rolling-stock would require twice as much fuel per seat as a Volkswagen Passat, and more than a short-haul aircraft.
Prof Roger Kemp, who led the research, said that in its efforts to improve performance after privatisation, the rail industry had "taken its eye off the ball" environmentally.
Virgin's SuperVoyager rolling-stock is estimated to be 40 per cent heavier per seat than the ageing 125s it replaced.
Tilting Pendolino trains, due to come into full operation between London and Manchester in the autumn, are reckoned to weigh more per seat than the forthcoming Airbus A380 double-decker.
Roger Ford, of Modern Railways magazine, said one reason for declining energy efficiency was the impact of health and safety and disability access regulations.
The introduction of crumple zones, disabled lavatories and seating rules for trains travelling over 100mph had added weight and reduced capacity.
"I know this will generate howls of protest, but at present a family of four going by car is about as environmentally friendly as you can get."
The research casts doubt on the Government's conviction that boosting inter-city rail travel will help it meet its environmental targets.
It also undermines the case of those who oppose airport expansion in favour of improved high-speed rail links.
Friends of The Earth expressed surprise at the findings, which it said were not in line with previous studies."
Greenpeace should really be saying "Save the world drive a Range Rover"
ers wouldn't know science if it bit them on the arse 
the greeny idiots said:
Land Rover continues to make gas-guzzling vehicles, most of which will tackle nothing steeper than a speed bump
Well if they removed the flippin greenies lentilisttastic speed bumps you would'nt need a bloody great 4x4 to get about comfortably around towns - doh!!!!!
I'm no towny 4x4 driver but I can see why you'd buy one over normal cars for urban assualt courses - I would
What pisses me off:
I drive a range rover.
It uses LPG so is claener than most vehicles.
I live in the country and off road and help maintain green lanes.
We travel as a family of 4 into the town everyday.
I use second hand parts so do my bit for recycling.
Yet still I get grouped by these ar5eholes with the likes of Pol Pot, Gengis Khan and Ronald Regan.
I drive a range rover.
It uses LPG so is claener than most vehicles.
I live in the country and off road and help maintain green lanes.
We travel as a family of 4 into the town everyday.
I use second hand parts so do my bit for recycling.
Yet still I get grouped by these ar5eholes with the likes of Pol Pot, Gengis Khan and Ronald Regan.
"Range Rover do less miles to the gallon than the model T Ford."
-And I suppose the emissions are comparable as well?
What I find amusing is that this lot also tend to drive around in things like VW camper vans and the like. Not to mention their poorly maintained polluting tugboats they sail around in.
Also just how is it Land Rover's fault if their vehicles are not being put to the use Green peace would like? -At least the Rangie can actually do the jobs some think they are intended for, unlike certain other models one could mention..
Furthermore, I am personally quite offended that they could be so insensitive in protesting to a key manufacturing employer in the midlands, given the recent events at MG Rover. Shame on them.
Oh, and the former advisor to new labour chaining himself to a car further undermines my trust in the government to take a balanced view on the future transport strategy.
-And I suppose the emissions are comparable as well?
What I find amusing is that this lot also tend to drive around in things like VW camper vans and the like. Not to mention their poorly maintained polluting tugboats they sail around in.
Also just how is it Land Rover's fault if their vehicles are not being put to the use Green peace would like? -At least the Rangie can actually do the jobs some think they are intended for, unlike certain other models one could mention..
Furthermore, I am personally quite offended that they could be so insensitive in protesting to a key manufacturing employer in the midlands, given the recent events at MG Rover. Shame on them.
Oh, and the former advisor to new labour chaining himself to a car further undermines my trust in the government to take a balanced view on the future transport strategy.
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