§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what information he has on proposals to change the junction at Newton station, on which the collision of 21 July occurred, from a single to a double track junction; and if he will make a statement on future policy towards the singling of double junctions.
§ Mr. FreemanI understand that British Rail has carried out a study of locations where there are platform starting signals which protect a single lead junction at a through passenger station. As a result of the study, 10 locations, including Newton, have been identified at which enhanced protection arrangements are being introduced. Consideration is being given at Newton to a number of options to guard against the possibility of a similar incident to that which occurred and these include a revised layout and/or trap points.
Currently Newton junction is operating under special restricted arrangements to ensure safety pending the outcome of a technical investigation. It will be necessary to recommission the signalling before normal train operations restart.
Future policy on the singling of double junctions is a matter for British Rail, though Her Majesty's railway inspectorate will continue to consider the safety of individual proposals before giving approval. As part of the independent inquiry into the Newton accident which is to be conducted by the Health and Safety Executive's deputy director general, Mr. David Eves, the safety of single lead junctions will be examined.