On the day the ORR market study on the supply of signalling systems was published, David Clarke, Technical Director at the Railway Industry Association (RIA), said: “It is clear the UK needs a funded plan for digital signalling on UK rail, which can revolutionise the way our railway runs, by increasing capacity, reducing cost and improving reliability. Network Rail’s Long Term Deployment Plan sets out a good strategy for the roll out of digital signalling, but it is yet to be funded, leaving rail suppliers uncertain as to whether the plan will go ahead.
With some 65% of signalling equipment needing replacing in the coming 15 years, this issue is becoming increasingly urgent. So we urge Government to work with industry to get the programme underway, and to ensure our railway is able to transition to new digital technology, providing benefits for passengers, freight users and taxpayers, as well as communities across the UK.”