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21/02/2013 12:33
Severe weather 'has been a wake-up call for the rail industry'

Network Rail chief executive David Higgins believes the disruptions caused by recent spells of bad weather should act as a "wake-up call" to the rail industry.

The Office of Rail Regulation's quarterly performance monitor highlighted a number of problems caused across the nation's transport network because of the heavy rain, strong winds and snow.

Mr Higgins said this has been a difficult period for passengers, as whole lines were forced to close because of flooding.

He added that the Victorian rail infrastructure simply was not built to deal with such harsh conditions and the UK is now playing catch up because of years of under-investment in the rail system.

"Despite considerable challenges, the industry still managed to move more than three million people a day by train during this period, with almost nine-out-of-ten trains arriving on time," Mr Higgins remarked.

Last month, Network Rail confirmed it will spend £37 billion on infrastructural improvements between 2014 and 2019.