Network
Rail proposals to cease using coaches not fitted with controlled
emission toilets could cripple the special trains industry, charter
promoters and operators have warned.
 |
| Ex BR Mk 1 and Mk 2 coaches drop toilet waste onto the track and would be banned from operating unless they were converted. |
The
comments have come in response to an NR consultation on ending the
use of rolling stock that drops toilet waste onto the track, which NR
wants to see phased out by December 2019.
Franchised
services are already due to end the practice over a similar timeframe
and NR has suggested that commitments to making the changes should be
incorporated into renewed Charter Track Access Contracts from this
summer.
 |
| Under the new proposals the coaches would only be allowed to operate on preserved lines such as seen here at the North Norfolk Railway |
Britain's
special trains industry still relies heavily on former BR Mk1 and Mk2
coaches that are not fitted with retention toilets and a cost
estimate from NR based on diesel multiple units has put the price of
conversion at up to £20,000 per vehicle. In addition to conversion
costs, resistance from within the charter market has also centred on
the difficulties and expense of servicing the retention toilets if
fitted.
Report
from RAIL Magazine June 2016
