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17/07/2001
CAMPBELL SEEKS COMMENTS ON RAILWAY SAFETY BILL
REGIONAL Development Minister, Gregory Campbell has highlighted the need for public discussion regarding the issue of proposed legislation on railway safety.
Legislation governing the operations of railways in Northern Ireland predates partition, with many of the regulations still in force today first implemented in 1871.
Commenting on the recently issued proposals, Mr Campbell said: "The primary purpose of the new Railway Safety Bill is to update and replace existing legislation in this field.
"My objective is to provide a legislative basis for modern, safe travel by railway. The Bill will accomplish this by applying Health and Safety at Work legislation to railway operations and by introducing new powers to approve new infrastructure and rolling stock and to limit speeds and loads."
The Health and Safety at Work provisions will require operators to produce ‘safety cases’, which are formal written documents that will include information about the operator’s activities, organisation, safety management systems and safety measures.
While the Bill will not set out the details of the new safety regime for railways, it will provide powers under which the necessary subordinate legislation can be made. These powers will also enable less rigorous regulatory regimes to be applied to smaller heritage operators, where lower levels of risk make this appropriate.
Copies of the consultation document have been sent out to all those organisations and individuals who the Department consider are most likely to be interested. (CL)
Legislation governing the operations of railways in Northern Ireland predates partition, with many of the regulations still in force today first implemented in 1871.
Commenting on the recently issued proposals, Mr Campbell said: "The primary purpose of the new Railway Safety Bill is to update and replace existing legislation in this field.
"My objective is to provide a legislative basis for modern, safe travel by railway. The Bill will accomplish this by applying Health and Safety at Work legislation to railway operations and by introducing new powers to approve new infrastructure and rolling stock and to limit speeds and loads."
The Health and Safety at Work provisions will require operators to produce ‘safety cases’, which are formal written documents that will include information about the operator’s activities, organisation, safety management systems and safety measures.
While the Bill will not set out the details of the new safety regime for railways, it will provide powers under which the necessary subordinate legislation can be made. These powers will also enable less rigorous regulatory regimes to be applied to smaller heritage operators, where lower levels of risk make this appropriate.
Copies of the consultation document have been sent out to all those organisations and individuals who the Department consider are most likely to be interested. (CL)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
