A potential problem for the Heritage Railways sector has been averted by a vote in the European Parliament after approaches by the HRA and FEDECRAIL.  A proposal from the Environment Committee of the Parliament would have outlawed the chemical dichloromethane which is used in the restoration of heritage rolling stock.

At a vote in Strasbourg today, the full Parliament however watered down the original proposal by supporting a compromise agreement which will allow the continued use of this chemical by professionally qualified people in a controlled environment.

“Without a doubt, the work of the HRA and FEDECRAIL was crucial in highlighting the problems that could be faced by the Heritage movement at large, if this chemical had been banned.  To be frank, DMC is a nasty chemical; but no practice al alternative exists if we are to restore vehicles properly and provide it is used by a competent and qualified person, in a proper environment than a problem should not exist” said the HRA Vice President and Labour MEP Brian Simpson.

The HRA has very much been the lead Association on this issue in not only highlighting the problem initially, but also in lobbying the UK Government and the European Parliament to amend its original proposal to allow the use of DCM in certain circumstances.

“I think this is a good result for the Heritage Railway sector and the HRA needs to be congratulated on its efforts in helping me to convince my MEP Colleagues to accept the compromise put forward by the Council of Ministers” concluded Mr Simpson.

The compromise amendment was supported by all UK MEP’s with the exception of UKIP who voted against and was carried with a large majority.