Minister to review Network Rail tree-felling
A REVIEW into the felling of trees beside Britain’s railway tracks has been ordered by the Government amid environmental concerns.
Rail Minister Jo Johnson told Network Rail to suspend the cutting-down of trees during the current bird nesting season except where it was “safety critical”. He warned that “more can be done” to ensure a “gold standard” of vegetation management is applied across the 20,000 miles of tracks managed by Network Rail.
Speaking at an event in York yesterday, Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “We want to make doubly sure they’re doing it properly.
“Jo Johnson is looking over their shoulder.”
Mr Johnson and Environment Secretary Michael Gove met Network Rail boss Mark Carne to discuss the issue. An internal Network Rail document shows it is planning to carry out an “enhanced level of clearance” along lines from 2019 to 2024, according to The Guardian.
Mr Johnson said: “How we manage our trees and vegetation – and protect the wildlife that lives in and around them – is an important issue and I understand the concerns of members of the public about how Network Rail does this.”
He acknowledged that trees which could be dangerous or cause disruption should be removed, but added: “Cutting back trees can alarm people who enjoy these environments and can especially raise concerns over the effect on birds during nesting season.”
During the event in York, Mr Grayling announced that all new trains and rail signalling will be digital or digital-ready from next year to reduce overcrowding and cut delays.
He compared the move to when consumers bought futureproof digital televisions ahead of the switchover from analogue broadcasts about a decade ago.
Much of Britain’s rail signalling uses Victorian technology, with line-side traffic lights controlling trains.