Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions his Department has had with Network Rail on noise and vibration pollution caused by certain types of freight wagons in use on the rail network; and whether any changes to regulations (a) have been or (b) are under consideration to reduce noise and vibration pollution.

The Department frequently holds discussions with Network Rail about the environmental impact of the railway, including measures to mitigate noise and vibration.

More widely, the UK has also been involved in discussions with the European Commission and other EU Member States about proposed changes to the Technical Specifications for Interoperability that deals with Noise and how this might apply to freight wagons. These discussions are still ongoing.