§ 24. Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what progress he has made in establishing who is responsible for clearing litter from the sides of railway track; and if he will make a statement on the current extent of trackside litter. [13368]
§ Mr. WattsWhere station leases have been granted by Railtrack, train operating companies are responsible for litter collection on these stations and for a distance of 110 yds from the ends of the platforms. Railtrack is responsible for cleaning the tracks and embankments— beyond stations—and for the major stations it operates. My Department and the Department of the Environment intend to make orders which will make it clear who has the statutory responsibility for litter clearance. The current extent of trackside litter is a matter for train operators and Railtrack.