Railways: Flood Control

(asked on 23rd October 2023) - View Source

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking to tackle flooding on the railway network following Storm Babet.


Answered by
Huw Merriman Portrait
Huw Merriman
Minister of State (Department for Transport)
This question was answered on 26th October 2023

Government expects Network Rail to prepare for a range of severe weather events, drawing on previous experience. However, during some particularly severe weather events, it will not be possible, or safe, to run services. We have monitored the situation and engaged with affected operators to understand the impact on passengers following Storm Babet.

Network Rail’s resilience taskforce was established in 2022 and is being led by independent experts. Their recommendations to improve weather resilience on the network are already being put into effect, including renewed investment in Network Rail’s capability and use of weather data and technology, upskilling of its workforce, and improving inspections and examinations of drainage assets.

Flooding is likely to become more frequent as a result of climate change. In 2022 the Department for Transport published the High-Level Output Specification (HLOS) which outlines the Secretary of State’s objectives for Network Rail’s operation, maintenance and renewal of railway infrastructure in England and Wales between 2024 and 2029—tied to a £44.1 billion funding settlement. The HLOS is clear that the rail network must be as resilient as reasonably possible to the effects of climate change and extreme weather, including flooding. Scotland has a further £4.2bn available, with the Scottish Government responsible for determining priorities for the Scottish network.

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