§ Mr. Bill MichieTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) if the Office of the Passenger Rail Franchising has the power to specify that rail franchisees should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency or a potential emergency; and if he will make a statement; [34179]
(2) if the Office of the Rail Regulator has the power to specify that rail companies should consult with other organisations regarding their joint response to an emergency or a potential emergency; and if he will make a statement. [34180]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonAll railway operators are required by the Railways (Safety Case) Regulations 1994 to prepare and have accepted a Railway Safety Case (RSC) which includes amongst other things, particulars of their arrangements for dealing with accidents and emergencies. The guidance which accompanies these Regulations makes it clear that these arrangements should make adequate provision for liaison with emergency services, and for co-operation and co-ordination with other railway operators.
The Director of Passenger Rail Franchising and the Rail Regulator have wide powers to specify the content of franchise agreements and of licences respectively. I understand that provisions relating to consultation on emergency responses have not been specified because of the wider requirements relating to safety cases and Railway Group Standards.