Written question asked by Derek Wyatt (Labour) on Thursday, 9 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 June 2005. It was answered by Derek Twigg (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 June 2005 on behalf of the Church Commissioners.

Railways

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport when he last met (a) Network Rail and (b) the Health and Safety Executive to discuss the siting of whistleboards.

Answer: There have been no meetings between Ministers at the Department, Network Rail and the Health and Safety Executive to discuss the siting of whistleboards. The railway industry has a duty under health and safety legislation to ensure that risks to those on or near railway lines are reduced. The location of whistleboards is the responsibility of Network Rail, who apply the requirements laid down by the Health and Safety Executive.Train drivers are required to sound train horns where whistleboards are located: on the approaches to footpath crossings and at unprotected crossings, in order to alert pedestrians to approaching trains. This is an important safeguard for those using footpath and level crossings, as there have been a number of fatal accidents at such locations.

Secondary information