MP battles for rail noise compensation

Mr Phillips held a Westminster Hall debate on Thursday to push Network Rail to mitigate or compensate residents for increased noise and vibration following the upgrade of the Great North Great Eastern line between Peterborough and Doncaster, via Sleaford, to take freight traffic off the East Coast Main Line.

Mr Phillips asked Minister for Transport, Robert Goodwill, to exert more pressure on Network Rail, saying that since the upgrade, those living beside the line are subjected to a level of traffic not reasonably anticipated when they moved in. He said: “These trains — both passenger and freight — are now more frequent, faster and heavier than before. There are more trains during the evening, night and early morning.”

There seemed to be no obligation on Network Rail as it was an existing line. “‘Deal with it and get lost’ is the clear message that I am receiving,” he said.

Mr Goodwill said the Rail Minister has urged Network Rail to conduct studies of any increased disturbance.