§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he intends to take to ensure that railway wagons running to and from the channel tunnel are not overloaded.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 1 December 1994]: Prime responsibility for this matter rests with the railway operators concerned. The design, construction and 182W designated use of wagons assists proper loading. Weighing equipment is provided at the loading points for bulk materials whose density can give rise to loading problems.
The goods carried on international freight services do not come into this category. Before such services are handed over to the driver, the train is signed off by a railway loads inspector. Drivers can decline to accept the train if they are not satisfied that weights have been properly declared.
§ Mr. FisherTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what measures he intends to take to prevent channel tunnel freight trains from exceeding speed limits within the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 1 December 1994]: Prime responsibility for this matter rests with the railway operators concerned. The train reporting system shows the time trains pass certain signals, and radar equipment can be deployed if there is a suspicion of speeding. The Railway (Safety Critical Work) Regulations 1994 prohibit an employer from allowing any of his employees to carry out safety critical work unless they are competent and fit. Exceeding vehicle or line speed limits is also a severe disciplinary offence.