EU offers hope for Britain's railways

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 20th Oct 2003

Bill Newton Dunn and Lisa Gabriel consider timetable cuts

The European Parliament will this week move a major step closer to reaching final agreement with EU transport ministers on a package of legislation that will bring about a revolution in the European railway industry.

The package will be voted at second reading on Thursday, 23rd October:

East Midlands Liberal Democrat Euro-MP, Bill Newton Dunn, commented:

"Once this EU legislation is implemented, the implications for railway companies and for all those who use their services, are enormous. The new framework will attract investment, and increase the speed and efficiency of the European rail network. This will bring desperately needed improvements to us at home, here in the East Midlands, as well as benefits when we travel abroad. "

The national rail network has suffered from years of under-investment

"National borders will no longer present a major obstacle to free movement by rail. By basing the entire European rail network on one set of common standards, cross border journeys, be they from Leicester to Luxembourg, or from Derby to Dijon, will be quicker and easier. We won't have to constantly change company, engine, or staff each time we cross a border.

"The rail package will also include the development of a new common European safety system for railways, which is vital reassurance following recent tragedies here in the UK."

Following the vote, the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers will enter into conciliation proceedings to finalise the details of the package.

ENDS