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Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 June 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 June 2023. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Health and Safety

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the health and safety issues, if any, that may occur on train services lasting more than three hours where refreshments, including water, are not made available to customers in hot weather.

Answer

Ensuring the welfare of passengers and rail staff remains a top priority for the Government, particularly during hot weather, which can increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion or fainting. The Office of Rail and Road is responsible for safety oversight of the railway in Great Britain and works with train operators to encourage all passengers to follow the latest public health and travel advice.

While no study has been undertaken specifically on the health and safety issues of water not being provided on services lasting more than three hours, the advice to passengers is to carry a bottle of water on all train journeys in hot weather so that they can keep hydrated. Most modern trains also have air conditioning installed to maintain cool temperatures, but where air conditioning is not available, operators ventilate trains as best as they can by opening windows throughout journeys and train doors at stations, where possible. Many operators also offer free water in hot weather and when services are delayed.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL8446
Session
2022-23
Related items
Railways: Health and Safety
Tuesday, 18 July 2023
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Health and safety Railways Weather
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk