§ Mr. Hoyleasked the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will list the regulations covering the transport by rail of liquefied petroleum gas tankers through urban areas; what speed restrictions are enforced; and whether the containers are subject to regulations regarding standards of construction;
(2) what restrictions are placed on the halting of trains conveying liquefied petroleum gas, or their use of sidings, in urban areas.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe transport of liquefied petroleum gas by rail is regulated by British Railways' own operating rules and their published conditions of carriage and acceptance. The routeing of trains and their speed, are matters for the Railways Board. The board makes every effort to minimise the amount of time that trains carrying dangerous goods are stopped in urban areas. LPG tank containers, all of which are privately owned, must meet BR's stringent requirements for construction and maintenance. LPG has been carried by BR for many years and no significant release of product has ever occurred during transit.