§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action he is taking to ensure that Railtrack and its successor body are undertaking the work necessary(a) to maintain, (b) to clean and (c) to keep free of birds those railway bridges in its ownership; and if he will make statement. [73009]
§ Mr. JamiesonI understand from Railtrack that their maintenance regime for rail structures includes visual inspection annually and in detail every six years. Annual inspection includes cleaning as required. Railtrack seeks to work in partnership with local authorities to tackle pigeon nuisance and is also currently assessing alternative pigeon deterrents to netting.