Question and Answer Brief
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about these proposals. If you still have questions after you have read this section please contact;
Alec Stuart
Rail Regulation and Standards
Transport Scotland
Buchanan House
58 Port Dundas Road
Glasgow
G4 0HFQ. What is a Minor Modification?
A. A Minor Modification is a physical removal of a railway facility, for example a structure on a station or a part of the operational network, which does not have a significant impact on the operation of the railway or passenger services. A Minor Modification requires a determination to be made by the Scottish Ministers under Section 35 of the Railways Act 2005. Transport Scotland has published guidance on the application of this part of the Network Modifications (Closures) provisions of the Act and can be viewed at: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/reports/publications-and-guidance/rail/minor-modifications-operational-guidance-note
Q. Will this mean that stations can close without consultation?
A. No. A local consultation would still be required as part of the Minor Modification process. A decision from the Scottish Ministers whether to allow the station to close as a Minor Modification would still be necessary.
Q. Does this mean that the Government is planning a series of station closures?
A. No. This Order is being made to reduce regulation where stations are being replaced a short distance away by a new station. Without this Order, a Full Closure would need to be proposed which does not seem to be appropriate where there is no loss of a station from a community. If a station were to be proposed for closure without it being replaced, a full closure under the Act would be required.
Q. Is there guidance for the Closure process?
A. Yes. It can be found on the Transport Scotland website at: http://www.transportscotland.gov.uk/reports/publications-and-guidance/rail/rail-closures-guidance