Written question asked by Peter Luff (Conservative) on Monday, 18 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Dept for Transport

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will investigate possible health and safety implications for commuters between Droitwich Spa and Birmingham of serious overcrowding on rail services.

Answer: Mr. Luff: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will investigate possible health and safety implications for commuters between Droitwich Spa and Birmingham of serious overcrowding on rail services. [192917] Mr. McNulty: Trains are designed and built to function safely even when full of passengers. The responsibility for the day-to-day safety, welfare and convenience of passengers using the railway rests with the train operating companies. I have been informed by the SRA that `short- formation' two-car carriages have sometimes replaced three car services on a certain morning peak time service between Droitwich Spa and Birmingham New Street. However, I understand that over the next three months the proportion of three-car units used on the service will increase.

Secondary information