Railways in Parliament
Heavier freight trains
LORD Berkeley asked the Department for Transport (DfT) to publish up-todate forecasts for future demand for rail travel. Transport Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton replied: “The DfT continues to work to understand the impact of Covid-19 on rail demand, including close working with industry. “We use a range of rail demand scenarios based on a series of factors that could drive rail demand over the short and long term to influence decisions. “It does consider the impact on commuting and long-distance travel. “These scenarios do not consider reductions in peak and other passenger services. “Given the considerable uncertainty that the pandemic has caused, these scenarios cannot be used as forecasts. They do reflect the possible impacts of the pandemic on future rail demand. “Network Rail (NR) has enabled Freight Operating Companies (FOCs) to run longer and heavier trains on the network in light of the reduced passenger timetable during the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering environmental and efficiency benefits.
“The DfT is working closely with NR and FOCs to explore further opportunities.”
HS2 on flight path
LORD Rotherwick asked the Government to publish the risk assessment of the HS2 Colne Valley Viaduct’s proximity to the main runway at Denham Aerodrome.
Baroness Vere replied: “An aeronautical study is being drafted by HS2 Ltd’s specialist aeronautical advisors, following consultation with Denham Aerodrome.
“The company does not publish risk assessments but once finalised, it will be shared with Denham Aerodrome and can be made available upon request.”
686 miles go live
BARONESS Randerson asked how many track miles have been electrified since 2015 and what has been the cost per mile.
Baroness Vere replied: “Between April 1, 2015, and March 31, 2020, 686 single track miles was electrified in England and Wales.
“The data on cost per mile for this electrification is held by Network Rail and needs to be verified. This will take some time.”
Rail income worries
BRIGHTON MP Caroline Lucas asked what discussions the Chancellor of the Exchquer and the Secretary of State for Transport have had on a policy response to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on travel patterns and the need to accommodate a more flexible style of working and commuting. HM Treasury Minister Kim Badenoch said: “The Government recognises the need to accommodate a more flexible style of working and commuting. “Passenger demand has fallen dramatically over the last year and its recovery is uncertain.
“Due to this and a potential shift in passenger behaviour, rail income in the future is also uncertain.
“Any flexible season ticket products will aim to encourage and support passengers returning to the railway when it is safe to do so.
“HM Treasury has been engaged by the DfT on this issue. The DfT is working closely with industry to develop a solution and will provide further details in due course.”
Tactile paving works
RICHMOND Park MP Sarah Olney asked what steps the DfT is taking to encourage Network Rail and Train Operator Companies to install tactile paving and accessibility features during renewal works. Transport Minister Chris Heaton Harris said: “The DfT expects the industry to meet current accessibility requirements whenever it installs, renews or replaces station infrastructure. “Failure to do so can lead to Office of Rail and Roads enforcement action.”