Diesel train engines will be deactivated in stations under government-backed plans to cut levels of air pollution on platforms. Existing diesels will be fitted with battery technology that allows drivers to switch to zero-emissions mode while entering and leaving stations to combat toxic emissions.
The Department for Transport said that trials of the system would be launched on parts of the Cross Country network where lines are not electrified, forcing the operator to rely on diesels. The requirement has been outlined in a new three-year contract between the Department for Transport and Arriva, the German state-owned company that has operated the service since 2007.
The company will be expected to create new infrastructure that allows diesel Turbostar trains to be plugged into the mains electric…