EU leaders are desperate to remove as many HGVs from the road as possible by encouraging the use of rail freight, which is a more eco-friendly option.

However, a new study conducted in France has shown the transportation of cargo via trains is causing excessive noise pollution and this may lead to health risks in some areas, Euractiv reports.

Published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, the research indicated that people who are exposed to "nocturnal railway noise" suffer from chronic daytime sleepiness and short attention spans.

The EU is keen to rectify the situation and the most cost-effective way to do so is to retrofit freight trains with quieter braking systems. Although this could take some time, the funding needed to achieve this is said to be available.

Earlier this year, engineering consultancy firm WSP suggested the High-Speed 2 network planned for the UK could free up more space for additional rail freight services. 

In fact, the company said the development could take the equivalent of 500,000 HGV lorry journeys off the M1, M40 and M6 motorways each year.