Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord McLoughlin and Anna Turley

Thursday 11th June 2015 Commons Chamber

[Anna Turley (Redcar) (Lab/Co-op)]

11. What recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the rail franchise system.

[The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr Patrick McLoughlin)]

We continuously monitor a range of indicators, including performance figures and passenger satisfaction. Rail use is at its highest level since the 1920s: 1.65 billion passenger journeys were made in Great Britain on franchised passenger trains in 2014-15. The number of journeys made on the rail network has more than doubled since the introduction of the franchise system .

[Anna Turley]

Will the Secretary of State join me in urging Network Rail to upgrade the level crossing in Redcar town centre? West Dyke Road, which is a main artery into town, has been closed more than 15 times in the last year. Network Rail has promised upgrades, but they are not forthcoming. The problem is having a huge impact on small businesses, which are having to close, and also on bus routes.

[Mr McLoughlin]

I welcome the hon. Lady to the House. My hon. Friend the rail Minister will be more than happy to meet her to discuss the issue. Network Rail has a huge investment programme, and it is certainly trying to address the problems of level crossings.