It has proved very difficult for us to obtain accurate details of the level of the problem from Network Rail despite numerous requests for information submitted to them. RMT have been demanding that they establish minimum standards for cess paths and access points, and centrally record what percentage of sites meet those standards in order to ensure continuous improvement.

However, they have continually refused to do this, although they have at least agreed with us that there is a significant problem that they need to rectify. Up till now they have merely sought to do this in association with major renewal works, but that does little for those areas where cesses and access points are being lost or made dangerous through lack of maintenance.

This matter was again discussed with Network Rail at a recent meeting of the Joint Safety Council when the Maintenance Director promised the Union that they intend to start dealing with this blight on the network as a matter of priority, and had made a specific budget allocation of £2.5m.

They have told the RMT that if staff report problems with an access route or cess that is in need of repair or replacement, Network Rail will allocate the funds and resources for the work teams to rectify the faults themselves. It is management?s belief that this approach will give a sense of ownership of the solution to individuals which will be of benefit to all concerned.

Given the scale of the problem, the Union obviously has doubts as to what effect a mere £2.5m can make, but at least it is a start. So if any members believe that an access point or cess that they have to use in their work could benefit from this approach, they are urged to raise the matter as an item of priority with their immediate line management.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow
General Secretary