Antique steam locomotives vs EU rail regs

Yet another case of rulemakers lumping the old with the new, to history's detriment:

The future of heritage railways is being threatened by new safety requirements, according to steam enthusiasts.

Under Health and Safety Executive regulations, volunteers could have to pay bills running into thousands of pounds to keep their cherished schemes alive. . .

There are nearly 100 heritage railway societies, operating 527 miles of track. Run as a labour of love by enthusiasts, they aim to maintain the tradition of a bygone age. Last year, the societies carried around 12 million passengers, mostly on steam trains.

Their difficulties have been caused by the executive's interpretation of an EU directive on rail safety which, the association says, has imposed upon its members an impossible burden.

Posted by David on February 12, 2006 7:58 PM