by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday.
LABOUR politicians in Stirling have called for speed restrictions
to be imposed on freight trains passing through the city.
The call has come from local Labour MP Anne McGuire and list MSP
Richard Simpson following a meeting with party colleagues in
neighbouring constituencies also affected by the traffic on the
Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine line.
Earlier this year representatives from Network Rail and Transport
Scotland were bombarded with complaints at a stormy public
meeting in Causewayhead.
Residents from right across Stirling and further afield
complained that freight traffic in particular on the line –
carrying coal to Longannet power station – was making their lives
a misery, causing them sleepless nights and even damaging their
property as the heavy trains passed close by houses.
They were unimpressed by claims from officials that there was
little they could do to limit the amount of traffic using the
line.
Under current laws if Network Rail are approached by a company
looking to make use of a route, they are obliged to provide
access to the line, as long as they can find space for journeys
on the timetable.
Nevertheless Mrs McGuire and Dr Simpson are calling for speed
restrictions as part of a wider process of fully investigating
concerns raised by the public.
Mrs McGuire said: “It is clear from the anecdotal evidence we
have received that speed plays an important part in determining
the level of noise and vibration experienced by residents.
“We are therefore asking that Network Rail impose a speed
restriction on freight trains using this section of the line
until further investigations are completed with regards to the
impact the noise and vibration is having on properties along the
line.’’
Dr Simpson added: “The noise and vibration caused by these
freight trains has become the source of real misery for many
residents across the area that I represent.
“I await the results of the noise surveys carried out by
Clackmannanshire Council earlier this year and in the meantime
would call on Network Rail to impose this speed
restriction.’’
See article
