§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will make a statement on the safety of signal equipment owned by Railtrack. [68466]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe proper design, installation and maintenance of the signalling system is paramount to railway safety. The responsibility for the railway infrastructure lies with Railtrack. The Health and Safety Executive have advised me that they are satisfied with Railtrack's strategies for achieving the safety of their signalling systems including the management of any problems.
§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what safety guidelines his Department issues in relation to the maintenance and renewal of signal equipment on railway lines. [68467]
§ Ms Glenda JacksonThe responsibility for the safe maintenance and renewal of signalling equipment lies with Railtrack, who issue safety guidelines in these matters. The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate undertakes routine monitoring of the way Railtrack discharges its responsibilities for the safe operation of the railway network and would take appropriate enforcement action if necessary.