§ Mrs. DunwoodyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many incidents of vehicles leaving the road and encroaching onto railway tracks were recorded(a) each week and (b) each month in the last year for which figures are available; what measures are in place to protect railway passengers and staff; and if he will request the Highways Agency to investigate such incidences and the efficacy of motorway barriers. [158831]
§ Mr. HillFor the period 1 April 2000–31 March 2001, there were 15 incidents of road vehicles leaving the road and ending up on railway lines. Details of these incidents appear in the table.
Incidents of Motorists leaving the road and ending up on railway line 2000–01 Number April 1 May 3 June 0 July 5 August 1 September 1 October 0 November 1 December 2 January 0 February 1 March 0 The figures are based on notifications forwarded by Railtrack to HSE's Railway Inspectorate. Data are not available on a weekly basis.
I announced on 12 March 2001, Official Report, columns 466–67W, that following the accident at Selby, the Deputy Prime Minister had asked that two working groups be established. Alan Cooksey, the Deputy Chief Inspecting Officer of Railways (HSE), will chair the first group. Its remit is to prepare a report to the Health and Safety Commission on the risks arising to railway traffic from road traffic, in particular incidents where road vehicles have blocked railway lines, and recommend how those risks can best be controlled. The Chief Highway Engineer at the Highways Agency, John Kerman, will chair the second group. Its remit is to review the Standards 28W for provision of nearside safety barriers on major roads in the light of recent accidents and make recommendations to the Highways Agency. The reports of both these groups will be presented to the Deputy Prime Minster in the autumn.