§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions at what level of passenger in excess of capacity the Rail Regulator is required to consider sanctions on a train operating company; and what plans he has to review this figure. [13052]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonPassengers in Excess of Capacity (PIXC) levels are set by the Franchising Director at 3 per cent. across all morning and evening peak services, and 4.5 per cent. across either peak in isolation. These maximum levels are below the average level of overcrowding experienced during the last 10 years of British Rail operation. There are no plans to change these standards, but each train operating company is kept under regular review by OPRAF.
Passenger counts must be carried out by an OPRAF-approved independent body at least once a year to monitor operator's compliance with PIXC standards. The Franchising Director can instruct an operator to carry out a feasibility study on the most effective method of increasing capacity if it seems likely that because of an increase in demand the operator will be unable to meet the PIXC requirements using existing records.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment he has made of the impact of the number of passengers in excess of capacity on rail passenger safety. [13053]
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§ Ms Glenda JacksonNone. All rolling stock is designed to operate safely, even when fully loaded. Overcrowding in itself is not a safety hazard. The Passengers in Excess Of Capacity levels set by the Franchising Director are intended to maintain reasonable levels of passenger comfort at peak times.