Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on the steps it is taking to ensure the health and wellbeing of neighbours impacted by rail maintenance.

I am replying as Minister responsible. I am not aware of any discussions between the Secretary of State and Network Rail on this issue. The health and wellbeing of lineside neighbours is a key consideration for Network Rail in undertaking any essential rail maintenance work. These are reflected in Network Rail’s safety management system arrangements, which covers how they manage operations and connected activities to ensure that disturbance is minimised as far as reasonably practicable, whilst upholding their statutory duties on safety and performance.