New Transport Minister Kevin Foster has said the Department for Transport (DfT) will continue to support the rail industry in the battle against the impact of severe weather caused by climate change.
Labour’s Sam Tarry, MP for Ilford South, submitted a Commons written question, asking if the government will undertake a review of standards and engineering of rail infrastructure, in the context of more severe summers and less severe winters brought about by climate change.
Responding on 14 September, Foster explained: “The Department expects Network Rail to manage the resilience of the rail network to severe weather, taking account of the impacts of climate change, and exploring new technology that could help improve resilience.
“Looking ahead, Network Rail is drafting long-term plans, and has in place a weather resilience and climate change strategy to ensure the infrastructure can cope with climate change and short-term periods of extreme weather. The Department continues to support the rail industry in this regard.”
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