Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what lessons they have learned from the aftermath of the explosion of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in Iceland on 14 April 2010 and the consequent ash cloud, in particular in relation to aviation; and what measures they have put in place in response to the impact of that eruption.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The UK is prepared to deal with a significant Icelandic volcanic eruption. Since 2010, the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), NATS and industry have developed a bespoke response guidance, which is regularly exercised and updated. In addition, new radar and monitoring equipment has been established in Iceland; the Met Office has enhanced its ash-modelling capability; and revised operating procedures for aircraft flight in ash‑contaminated airspace have been agreed.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what are the planning assumptions for bringing into service high-speed train connections to the HS2 route from Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Answered by Baroness Vere of Norbiton
The current plans for HS2 Phases One and 2a will see Glasgow connected to the high-speed rail network between 2029 and 2033. Journey times between Glasgow and London will fall by 45 minutes from 4hrs 30min at present to 3hrs 45min.
On completion of HS2 Phase 2b, Edinburgh will become connected to the high-speed rail network, reducing journey times to London from the current 4hrs 19mins to 3hrs 48min.
New high-speed rail infrastructure is planned from London to Manchester via Birmingham and Crewe. Classic-compatible high-speed trains running to Scotland will connect to the West Coast Mainline (WCML) in north-west England and these will use the existing conventional rail network to serve both Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what comparative safety data is available in respect of trains with guards, however designated, as against those without.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
Driver Controlled Operation (DCO) has been in safe operation for over 30 years on many of our commuter networks. It is also in safe operation across the whole of London Underground.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is responsible for the enforcement of Health and Safety law on the railways and this organisation has examined thoroughly the safety of DCO. A report on its findings in relation to Govia Thameslink Railways’ implementation of this form of dispatch as well as its guidance to train operators on DCO Principles has been produced and is available on its website.
Its inspectors are satisfied that with suitable equipment, proper procedures and competent staff in place, it is a safe method of operation.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what policies they are pursuing to encourage the public provision of charging points for electric vehicles.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
We want the UK to continue to have one of the best electric vehicle charging networks in the world. To help achieve that aim we have put in place a range of grant schemes to support the installation of charging infrastructure - on-street, off-street and at workplaces.
Under the Government’s Go Ultra Low City Scheme £22.9m has been allocated to support the installation of infrastructure in several UK cities. Highways England also has a commitment of £15m to ensure there are charge points (rapid where possible) every 20 miles on 95% of the Strategic Road Network.
At Autumn Budget 2017, the Chancellor announced £400 million for a new Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (£200m new Government investment to be matched by private investors). This funding is supported by a range of policy measures including the Automated and Electric Vehicle Bill, currently in Parliament, which will help ensure that there are sufficient electric vehicle charge points throughout the UK, and that they are convenient and easy to access for all drivers.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what communications between the Department for Transport and (1) Stagecoach Group, and (2) Virgin Rail Group, took place prior to the development of the rail strategy announced on 29 November; and whether they will publish those communications in full.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
We regularly meet and work closely with all our franchisees and their owning groups. Stagecoach Group and Virgin Rail Group are no exceptions.
We are in discussions with Virgin-Stagecoach to ensure the needs of passengers and taxpayers will be met in the short term whilst laying the foundations to bring forward the reforms, as outlined in the Strategic Vision for Rail, in full under a long-term competitively procured contract.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether new rolling stock planned for introduction on the East Coast Main Line from 2018 will come into service within the intended timescale.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The new fleet of Intercity Express Trains will come into service on the East Coast Main Line from end of 2018 and be progressively introduced until 2020. The £2.7bn government-led investment in the trains and depot infrastructure for the East Coast will offer passengers on the route a new level of capacity, comfort and reliability for the next 27.5 years.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what franchise payments have been received each year from (1) Virgin Rail Group, and (2) Stagecoach East Coast Mainline; and what franchise payments were planned in each year until 2023.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The current East Coast franchise operated by Virgin Trains East Coast commenced 1st March 2015. An announcement of the expected premium over the duration of the contract was made at franchise award. All premiums due to date under the contract have been paid. Payments by franchised operators are published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) annually and can be found on their website.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have given any consideration to banning the service of free alcoholic drinks on all rail services, in the interests of public health.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
This is a commercial decision for Train Operating Companies. However, a number of train operators run ‘dry trains’ meaning that no alcohol is allowed on board. This normally happens on the advice of British Transport Police when it is known large groups will be travelling, for example to a football match.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there any penalty clauses in the event of early termination in the franchise for the East Coast Main Line, which was to have run to 2023.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
The Virgin Trains East Coast Franchise Agreement, like other franchise agreements, includes provisions for contractual termination. The Franchisee’s Guarantor will be required to meet its financial commitments to the tax payer in full, in particular the provision of Parent Company Support, while the Franchisee will be required to meet its commitments including the Performance Bond.
Asked by: Lord Moonie (Non-affiliated - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether (1) Virgin Rail Group, and (2) Stagecoach Group, will be allowed to bid for (a) the new East Coast partnership from 2020, and (b) other rail franchises.
Answered by Baroness Sugg
All passport holders at the time will be offered the opportunity to bid. Like others, Virgin and Stagecoach will need to meet all relevant requirements.