§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will make a statement on the decision of Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate not to allow new trains to stop at short platforms. [39438]
§ Mr. Jamieson[holding answer 1 March 2002]: The Health and Safety Executive's Railway Inspectorate's (HMRI) policy on long trains stopping at short platforms is based on an assessment of risk. HMRI prefer to see stations' platforms modified to ensure that they are long enough to accommodate trains without the need for selective door opening. However, where this is not possible, for example where there are structural constraints, HMRI are prepared to consider proposals from operators for selective door opening.