L&S SAVES 13,000 TONNES OF CO₂BY REMOVING 35,000 LORRIES FROM SOUTHAMPTON’s ROADS

Hampshire-based L&S Aggregates, a division of L&S Waste Management, has reached a major sustainability milestone, having now delivered more than 1 million tonnes of construction aggregate into Southampton by rail since opening its dedicated railhead in the city.

The L&S terminal – still the only rail-fed aggregate depot serving Southampton – has handled a total of 1,012,377 tonnes of material since operations began in 2018. With each aggregate train carrying the equivalent of around 120 lorry loads, this means that every delivery helps reduce congestion, improve road safety, and cut harmful emissions across the region.

By transporting aggregate by rail instead of road, the company has prevented an estimated 13,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions and removed more than 35,000 heavy goods vehicle (HGV) journeys from local roads.

A cleaner, smarter way to supply the city

Steve Harman, Operations Director at L&S Waste Management , explains: “Most of the aggregate used in Southampton’s construction projects originates from the Mendip Hills in Somerset, over 100 miles away. Before L&S established its terminal, there was no rail aggregate facility within the city, the nearest depot being at Eastleigh, around ten miles outside the centre.

“This meant that local contractors had to complete 20-mile round trips by road simply to collect materials for use in and around Southampton. With the L&S Southampton terminal now bringing aggregate directly into the heart of the city, those unnecessary lorry miles have been eliminated.”

As a result, Southampton’s construction industry benefits from faster, more efficient deliveries, while the city enjoys fewer vehicle emissions, less congestion, and cleaner air.

Supporting Southampton’s clean air ambitions

Southampton is one of only six designated Clean Air Zones in the UK and is home to around a quarter of a million people, as well as the country’s largest cruise port and second largest container hub. Population growth over the next decade is expected to add up to 20% more traffic, further underlining the need for sustainable freight alternatives.

L&S Waste’s investment in rail freight has become a vital part of the solution, supporting the city’s development while helping to reduce the environmental impact of construction activity.

Harman continued: “When we first opened the Southampton railhead, our goal was to make construction logistics more sustainable. To have now delivered more than one million tonnes by rail is proof that this approach works. Every train that comes into our site means fewer lorries on local roads, less congestion, and a cleaner environment for everyone.”

By continuing to invest in low-carbon logistics, L&S Waste is supporting Southampton’s ongoing development while helping the city and region meet their net zero ambitions.

A lasting legacy of innovation

When the facility was first opened in 2018, Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith described it as “a no-brainer” and “a great example of how we can reduce air pollution without charging businesses or the public to drive into the city.”

Seven years on, that early vision has been realised. The L&S Southampton railhead has not only delivered over a million tonnes of material but also demonstrated how sustainable freight can play a key role in improving air quality in urban areas.

“L&S Waste’s rail terminal continues to be a huge asset for the city,” said Mick Balch, Managing Director. “It’s a great example of how private investment and local initiative can help solve real environmental challenges while keeping vital construction materials moving.”

For further information, please contact:
Defero Communications – on behalf of L&S Waste Management
info@defero.co.uk / 07828 663988

CO₂ Saving Estimate Summary

Metric	Value / Assumption	Source
Total aggregate moved by rail	1,012,377 tonnes	L&S Waste data
Typical source distance (Mendips to Southampton)	~100 miles	Industry average
CO₂ saving vs. HGV per tonne per 100 miles	~13 kg CO₂	Network Rail / DEFRA
Total CO₂ saved	≈13,000 tonnes CO₂	Calculated
Equivalent cars removed (avg. 4.6 tonnes CO₂ per car/year)	≈3,000 cars	BEIS conversion