Written Question · S3W-23783 · Session 3
What requirement exists for Transport Scotland, Network Rail, freight train operators and the Office of the Rail Regulator to consult the a…
The question
To ask the Scottish Executive what requirement exists for Transport Scotland, Network Rail, freight train operators and the Office of the Rail Regulator to consult the affected communities prior to amending train timetables to include night-time operating and what requirements exist for these organisations to undertake a revised impact study when the original study specifically excludes freight trains between certain hours, such as between 11 pm and 7 am in the case of the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line.
The answer
During the parliamentary process to support re-opening the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine railway line the Promoter, Clackmannanshire Council, submitted a memorandum to the parliamentary committee entitled the Promoters Memorandum on Existing Railway Processes. This document set out that the hours of operation of the railway are not within the powers to be granted under the Bill and are regulated by other public bodies under a range of different legislation.
The Committees Consideration Stage Report May 2004 acknowledged these restrictions upon the Promoters by stating It is important to note that the scope of the Bill includes only the construction of a railway between Stirling and Kincardine (via Alloa) together with associated works. It is not within the scope of the Bill for it to be amended to include matters that pertain to the operation of the railway (for example the speeds of trains or the times at which they should run).
Network Rail is responsible for operation of railway infrastructure under the Railways Act 1993 and is responsible for determining freight timetables in conjunction with rail freight operating companies, who in turn respond to the needs of their freight customers.
The Committees Consideration Stage Report May 2004 acknowledged these restrictions upon the Promoters by stating It is important to note that the scope of the Bill includes only the construction of a railway between Stirling and Kincardine (via Alloa) together with associated works. It is not within the scope of the Bill for it to be amended to include matters that pertain to the operation of the railway (for example the speeds of trains or the times at which they should run).
Network Rail is responsible for operation of railway infrastructure under the Railways Act 1993 and is responsible for determining freight timetables in conjunction with rail freight operating companies, who in turn respond to the needs of their freight customers.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S3W-23783 by reference.