Band 7+: QUESTION: The graph below shows the quantities of goods transported in the UK between 1974 and 2002 by four different modes of transport. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The graph illustrates the amount of goods transported in the UK between 1974 and 2002 by four different modes of transport ( road, water, rail, and pipeline).

Overall, product transportation by road and water experienced a significant increase over the given period, while railway and pipeline transport remained relatively stable. Transporting goods by road is the most popular mode of transport, whereas pipeline was the least used.

In 1975, road transport was the most common means of transport, carrying over 60 million tonnes of product; this figure increased steadily to above 90 million tonnes in 2002. Similarly, the value of goods carried through water doubled, rising from 40 million tonnes to 60 million tonnes in 1975 and 2002, respectively.

The quantity of products transported by rail hovered throughout the period, starting from 40 million tonnes and ending at the same value. In contrast, pipeline transport increased dramatically within the first few years, rising from roughly 6 million tonnes in 1975 to 20 million tonnes in 1980 and remaining stable until the end of the period.