MPs met with representatives of the rail industry today to press for action on train horn noise, but came away with little hope of any immediate relief for their constituents.
Network Rail said that they had carried out inspections at twenty foot crossings in the South East, but only five are certain to lose their whistle boards.
In East Surrey, all whistle boards will be retained at four crossings inspected.
East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth commented:
‘Today’s meeting at least confirmed that the Rail Industry has got the message, and they realise that they have a problem on their hands. Public opinion on anti-social train horns is at last being heard. Regrettably, however, there seems to be no prospect of immediate action to deal with noise pollution.
“The industry is reviewing the situation and the many available options which include risk analysis, closure of crossings and the use of broadband technology. The actual solution is obvious: reduce the noise of the horns. The objection is equally obvious: cost. But the industry needs to weigh the cost of installing quieter horns against the cost of sleepless nights, stress, health disorders and the impact on property values associated with allowing the blight to continue.
‘We will be meeting the industry again in March, and I hope I will then be in a position to report material progress. Meanwhile the noise goes on, completely out of proportion to the risks involved in crossing a railway line.’
Eight MPs met with rail industry representatives, and over 70 from five different parties have signed a House of Commons motion on the issue tabled by Peter Ainsworth.
MPs attending were:
Peter Ainsworth (Con), James Arbuthnot (Con), Julian Brazier (Con), Roger Gale (Con), Bernard Jenkin (Con), Nick Herbert (Con), Jonathan Redwood (Con), Nicholas Soames (Con) and Derek Wyatt (Lab); Francis Maude (Con) was represented.
Attending from the rail industry were:
Network Rail - John Armitt (Chief Executive), Wallace Weatherill (Head of Operational Safety Policy), Glynn Lewis (Level Crossings Risk Control Co-ordinator), Garry White (National Public Affairs Manager), Murdo Graham (Operations Safety Manager), Frances Williamson (Public Affairs Manager, London and the South East);
Rail Safety Standards Board – Anson Jack.
Association of Train Operating Companies – Steve Bence.
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