§ Lord Astor of Heverasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that the removal of rail staff from trains and railway stations presents an increased danger to public safety. [HL211]
§ Lord WhittyThe removal of staff, and whether this presents an increased risk to the public, has to be considered on the basis of individual circumstances: in some cases it might represent an increased risk, in others not. Inspections by the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE's) Railway Inspectorate ensure that safety related to train or station operation is maintained. Under the Railway Safety Case Regulations 1994, arrangements for operations must be set out in a train operator's railway safety case. These cases, and any subsequent revisions, have to be accepted by the Infrastructure Controller or by HSE before operations can start or revised operations can recommence. Reductions in staffing levels would require an amendment to a safety case where this might have an effect on safety associated with train or station operation. HSE monitors compliance with the regulations and will take whatever action it considers appropriate (including enforcement action, if necessary) to ensure that safety is not compromised.