CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > May 2024 45 RAIL PLANT ASSOCIATION: 2 Since Christmas, we have held conversations with the Rail Industry Association, on behalf of the principal contractors, and with Rail Partners, on behalf of train operators, and whilst our positions differ on various issues we are totally aligned on the need to bring back blockades. When I started asNational TrackDirector in 2012, we undertook circa 20%of our work in blockades, typically of 9 days or 16 days. When I left NetworkRail in late 2020, blockadeworking had been reduced to only 4%. Blockade working is not only far more efficient in terms of work delivery but passengers and train operators generally prefer short blockade periods of disruption rather than many weekends with bus replacement services. That said as an industry we have conspired to significantly reduce blockade working over the last 3 control periods. With leisure traffic booming at weekends, the three trade associations are aligned on the need to bring back blockades, initially back to 20% of work delivered and then on beyond this. It is good to see early signs that increased blockade working is happening but a significant push is required to make a real difference through CP7 and beyond. This would be a very visible sign of increased cooperation between the track and train parts of the railway even before Great British Railways is formed. The Rail Plant Association will work collaboratively with other organisations as we push to Bring Back Blockades.