WCTL hereby confirms that it accepts the above Network Change proposal; on the basis that:
Such conclusion has been reached following significant dialogue and recent review between both Parties. This, principally due to reflecting upon the net Industry benefit of the project when measured against potential increases in both cost and delay through any protracted dispute process. This includes those primary outstanding issues relating to Bi-Di Signalling, 125mph on the Fast Lines and associated maintenance provisions.
Nonetheless, WCTL acceptance is made only on the basis that it receives an assurance from Network Rail that ongoing concerns relating to line-speed and net overall journey time impact along the WCML, are investigated further during CP5. This includes receiving a firm commitment from Network Rail that they explore, in detail with us, other opportunities to increase line-speeds wherever feasible / cost-effective (through renewal or enhancement schemes), right through to delivery. Examples where such opportunities potentially exist (but are not exclusive to), are locations such as Shugborough, Kilsby, the approaches to Rugby from the south and the through lines at Crewe.
We are keen to work with Network Rail to achieve these improvements; however, we also consider that in order make such a joint approach successful, that you will need to allocate the appropriate degree of priority necessary, to ensure that such objectives are delivered successfully.
WCTL will continue to assess the impact of this proposed change on its business, and inform Network Rail of any such direct costs & benefits thus incurred as a result of any effects associated with, and/or resultant from or during, the implementation of such change (including any previous and future electrical interface testing); when WCTL considers it practicable. This shall include those aspects associated with, for example, any Driver Training and Train Management requirements.
WCTL has no concern with any part of this letter, as required under Part A of the Network Code (Condition A3.5), being published on the Network Rail website under Condition GA3(b)(ii).]
Note: It is by default with the above scheme, that this letter also provides confirmation that WCTL withdraws its objection to an outstanding Network Change reference LNW530 (issued 10th Jan 2012), concerning a TSR to PSR conversion. This does not however, set any future precedent for further conversions and our withdrawal is explicitly referenced to this alteration only.