Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of Network Rail’s targets to improve railway adhesion in Control Period 7 between 2024 and 2029.

Network Rail (NR) takes track adhesion extremely seriously. Its approach to managing adhesion risk across the system is focused on the tools, processes and skills required to run a safe service through autumn.

NR has implemented the GB Rail Industry Approach to Railhead Adhesion Management policy, which sets out all proven and practical control measures for adhesion risk.  This includes infrastructure, train operations and trainborne risk controls. The Office of Rail and Road, as the safety and economic regulator for the railways, ensures that the work undertaken is fit for purpose.