§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions how many trains are awaiting certification; how long he estimates it will take to certify these trains; what the procedure is; and what factors have delayed the process of certification. [147011]
§ Mr. HillThe entry of 750 new vehicles (circa 200 trains) into passenger service has been delayed. These are gradually being introduced on to the network and about half should be in service during the first six months of the year.
The introduction of new trains has in part been delayed by the rigorous safety approvals process which is required before any passenger train enters service. There have also been a number of technical difficulties which have needed to be remedied. These have only come to light when the new trains have been operating.
The safety certification process (owned by Railtrack) requires operators, in conjunction with manufacturers, to submit requests for safety approval at various stages of the design, manufacture and testing of a new train with a view to allowing the trains to enter full passenger service.