A logistics company based in Southampton has removed 64,300 truck journeys from UK roads in a year.

DP World's Modal Shift Programme, launched in September 2023, has also cut carbon emissions by more than 17,000 tonnes.

The scheme incentivises customers to use rail transport for import-laden containers, boosting the share of rail freight at DP World Southampton from 21 per cent to over 30 per cent.

John Trenchard, vice president of commercial and supply chain at DP World in the UK, said: "The outstanding success of the Modal Shift Programme at Southampton in its first year is testament to our commitment to provide customers with more choices for their supply chains."

Satvir Kaur, MP for Southampton Test, said: "This scheme not only ensures our port can become more sustainable and help improve the poor air quality Southampton suffers, but it also reduces congestion on our roads."

The initiative has launched four new rail freight services, including routes to Birmingham and Cardiff.