Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 8 December 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 15 December 1998. It was answered by Glenda Jackson (Labour) on Tuesday, 15 December 1998 on behalf of the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, what steps he will take to ensure that improvements carried out to stations on behalf of, and at the expense of, train operating companies are not subject to excessive charges by Railtrack.

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what steps he will take to ensure that improvements carried out to stations on behalf of, and at the expense of, train operating companies are not subject to excessive charges by Railtrack. [63631] Ms Glenda Jackson: The Rail Regulator is responsible for setting the access charges which meet Railtrack's costs of maintaining and repairing station infrastructure. The Regulator is presently reviewing all Railtrack's access charges and is required to publish his final conclusions by July 2000. In addition, the Regulator's approval is required for any changes to station access charges which Railtrack may agree with a train operator as a result of investment in station improvements. On 5 December, the Regulator issued guidelines to the industry designed to ensure that any such changes to meet Railtrack's additional costs from enhancing station facilities are justified and calculated in a fair, consistent and transparent manner.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 63631; 322 c435-6W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Fees and charges Railway stations Railways Railtrack Repairs and maintenance Train operating companies Office of the Rail Regulator