Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions (a) his Department and (b) Network Rail has with local authorities ahead of major rail maintenance work in the areas covered by those authorities.

The Department for Transport does not hold such discussions. Network Rail route teams have an ongoing programme of general engagement with local authorities. Network Rail needs to agree all access to the railway for maintenance, engineering and upgrade works with Train Operating Companies (TOCs). TOCs are primarily responsible for taking account of passenger and other local needs, liaising with local authorities where applicable.