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Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative) on Thursday, 6 July 2023, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 July 2023. It was answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 July 2023 on behalf of the Department for Transport.

Railways: Health and Safety

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Vere of Norbiton on 27 June (HL8446), what plans they have to discuss with South Western Railways that company's failure to provide water for passengers during hot weather, unlike the other operators cited.

Answer

Ensuring the welfare of passengers and rail staff is a top priority for train operating companies, including during particularly hot weather. The advice remains for passengers 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.

For hot weather, an ill passenger or an air conditioning failure, South Western Railways stocks water on most trains, and will provide to passengers in those circumstances. South Western Railway also maintains water supplies at key stations so that they can be added to trains during periods of extreme hot weather, particularly at key stations on their longer distance lines.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL9130
Session
2022-23
Related items
Railways: Health and Safety
Tuesday, 27 June 2023
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Health and safety Railways Weather
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk