§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) when Railtrack intends to reach its engineering target of having 98 per cent. of the rail network covered by the national radio network; and if he will make a statement;[5339]
(2)When he proposes to introduce a timed and costed plan for the installation of cab secure radios in all locomotive units; and if he will place a copy of the plan in the Library; [5336]
(3)which rail lines are currently not covered by a fully operational radio system through which signal boxes can communicate with train drivers. [5338]
§ Mr. WattsInstallation of the lineside transmitter equipment for the national radio network is virtually complete. A planned enhancement of NRN will require conversion of radio frequencies. This has been authorised and is proceeding.
Under a draft railway group standard on train radio communications, it will be obligatory for all driving cabs to be equipped with an operational radio which will enable communication between train drivers, signallers or control centres, in order for the stock to operate on Railtrack's infrastructure. This has an implementation date of April 1997, with dispensation until February 1998 where secure radio is being installed, subject to approval by Railtrack.
All cabs will be equipped within this programme. Virtually all modern cabs are already fitted; older, former Network South-East stock and a few remaining heritage diesel units will be equipped within the programme.
474WThere are no plans to install a "secure" system of radio communication on a national basis.