Question reference: S5W-36192
- Asked by: Elaine Smith, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 11 March 2021
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 23 March 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, following the Stonehaven rail accident on 12 August 2020, what advice it has (a) received, and (b) sought regarding (i) how many and (ii) what proportion of rail infrastructure assets have yet to be inspected and assessed for weather-related infrastructure impacts.
Answer
Railway Safety is a matter reserved to the UK Government, and regulated by the UK Office of Rail and Road. The Scottish Government has funded the determination of the ORR for the current regulatory control period. The determination provides an increase in 21% in the funding available to Network Rail for the safe operation, maintenance and renewal of the Scottish Railway network.
Transport Scotland has not been provided with detailed information regarding particular asset inspections or impacts associated with weather related impacts as Network Rail is responsible for maintaining and renewing the rail network in Scotland, with railway safety being a reserved matter.
Following the Stonehaven rail accident on 12 August 2020 Transport Scotland received a copy of the Network Rail Interim Report in September 2020 and continues to press Network Rail in terms of improving resilience relating to climate change.