§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the regulations which apply to the gap between the door of a train and the platform. [20119]
§ Mr. JamiesonThe Railways and Other Transport Systems (Approval of Works, Plant and Equipment) Regulations 1994, require approval from the Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate (HMRI) before any new or altered railway works plant and equipment, including station platforms, can be brought into use on the railway network.
As a guide to these regulations HMRI's Railway Safety Principles and Guidance recommends maximum stepping distances of 250mm vertically, 275mm horizontally or 350mm diagonally for new or altered works. If these dimensions cannot be achieved, dispensation may be given and warning signs such as "mind the gap" along the platform edges, together with public address announcements are also required.