Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 January 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 February 2002. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 February 2002 on behalf of the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

Dept for Transport Local Government and the Regions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his Answer of 19th December 2001, Official Report, 377 c532-3W, on targets for improving the reliability of train services, what enforcement actions can be taken upon train operating companies if they fail to meet targets; upon which train operating companies enforcement action has been taken as a result of a failure to meet performance targets; and what the dates and the nature of the enforcement were. - Includes ref to Strategic Rail Authority annual reports, copies in Library.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions, pursuant to his answer of 19 December 2001, Official Report, columns 532-33W, on targets for improving the reliability of train services, what enforcement actions can be taken upon train operating companies if they fail to meet targets; upon which train operating companies enforcement action has been taken as a result of a failure to meet performance targets; and what the dates and the nature of the enforcement were. [32417] Mr. Spellar: Franchise agreements provide for a special call-in meeting where performance in any four- week period falls below the pre-set thresholds. Call-in meetings are formal and give the Strategic Rail Authority the chance to investigate with the operator the causes or the problem and remedial measures. Three call-ins in three years may be deemed a breach of the franchise agreement. Particularly poor performance in a period can lead straight to a breach, or, in extreme circumstances, to default upon which the authority can terminate the agreement. Enforcement action under section 55 of the Railways Act is available where breaches occur. The authority's annual reports, copies of which are in the Library of the House, list the breaches of franchise agreements registered in the year and the action taken.

Secondary information