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Dept for Transport

Answer

Bob Spink: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport (1) if he will make a statement on the Rail Safety and Standards Board review of the use of train horns and noise pollution; [194928] (2) in what circumstances the use of train horns will be restricted on approaching unmanned pedestrian level crossings. [194929] Mr. McNulty: The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) is responsible for specifying the requirements for when and where train horns must be used and Network Rail is responsible for deciding how train operators comply with them. The RSSB's Review concluded with a number of recommendations which come into effect on 6 November 2004. The main recommendations are that the minimum permissible level for train horns will be reduced by up to eight decibels and the sounding of train horns when entering a tunnel and at frequent intervals when passing through long tunnels will no longer be necessary. It will still be necessary for train drivers to sound horns at all times, day or night, whenever anyone is seen on or near a line on which a train is travelling; when approaching any pedestrian crossings; where shunting movements are taking place and staff may be on the line; during failures of signalling equipment or other degraded operations and in an emergency. The sounding of horns between the hours of 2330 and 0700 is not permitted, when drivers are approaching an automatic level crossing or an open level crossing except as an emergency. These standards take into account the need to ensure effective safety management whilst also aiming to alleviate the noise disturbance experienced by residents living near railway lines.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c159W; 194928;194929

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Level crossings Pollution Railways Noise Trains

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk