The present UK government (1994) appears to have no long-term UK transport policy which integrates the needs of the economy in a sufficiently environmentally benign way with the needs of goods and passenger transportation. An integrated, sustainable and environmentally aware UK transport policy is desperately needed, in which forms of transport other than the fossil-fuelled motor car are allowed to play more important roles. Ways in which rail may fulfil its potential role in such a future transport policy are highlighted.