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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.”
About RIA: The Railway Industry Association (RIA) is the voice of the UK rail supply community. We help to grow a sustainable, high-performing, railway supply industry, and to export UK rail expertise and products. RIA has 300+ companies in membership in a sector that contributes £43 billion in economic growth and £14 billion in tax revenue each year, as well as employing 710,000 people. It is also a vital industry for the UK’s economic recovery, supporting green investment and jobs in towns and communities across the UK; for every £1 spent in rail, £2.50 is generated in the wider economy. RIA’s membership is active across the whole of railway supply, covering a diverse range of products and services and including both multi-national companies and SMEs (60% by number). www.riagb.org.uk