HC Deb 30 November 1999 vol 340 cc128-9W
24. Mrs. Lawrence

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what plans he has to introduce legislation on maximum passenger numbers in railway carriages for safety reasons. [99033]

Mr. Hill

I have no plans for such legislation.

The Health and Safety Executive, which advises the Government on all rail safety matters, regard this issue as primarily one of passenger comfort, not safety.

Train operators must meet overcrowding standards laid down by the shadow Strategic Rail Authority for passenger comfort.