Written question asked by Lord Bradshaw (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Attlee (Conservative) on Monday, 28 March 2011.

Railways: European Train Management System

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, in light of cost over-run and delays in introducing the European Train Management System on the Cambrian Railway line, they are reconsidering their plan to extend the system.

Answer: The European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) is mandated for all new lines, substantial renewals or upgrades by EU directive and should enable the rail industry to make long-term cost reductions. The purpose of the Cambrian deployment was to better understand the detailed issues of installing a system of this type in the UK. The experience gained on the Cambrian has already led to a number of very valuable lessons being learnt. The Department for Transport intends the National ERTMS deployment plan to be updated to fully reflect the lessons learnt from the Cambrian deployment.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7647; 726 c225WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Railways: European Train Management System
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: EU law Railway signals Automatic train protection European rail traffic management system
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk