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Dept of the Environment Transport and the Regions

Answer

Mrs. Dunwoody: To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will publish the cost benefit analysis of (a) ATP and (b) other alternative systems of train protection presently available. [107860] Mr. Hill: The cost benefit analysis of Automatic Train Protection (ATP) will depend on a number of factors including the precise system chosen, the timing of its introduction, and the level of safety risk which it addresses. A British rail report on ATP including estimates of costs and benefits was placed in the Library of the House in July 1994, but those estimates would need to be recalculated in the light of specific proposals. A regulatory impact assessment for the Railway Safety Regulations 1999, including a cost benefit assessment of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), was placed in the Library of each House when the Regulations were laid on 10 August 1999. Following the tragic accident at Ladbroke Grove, we asked Sir David Davies to make an assessment of train protection systems and we expect his report shortly. We will also look to the Health and Safety Commission for advice before any further decisions on train protection are taken.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

343 c758W; 107860

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Cost benefit analysis Protection Railways Safety Trains Automatic train protection