Scrap metal dealers Bill

Together with ATOC and the Rail Freight group, Network Rail are among a group of companies and industries delighted by the successful third reading of MP Richard Ottaway’s Private Members Bill.

The new Scrap Metal Dealers Bill will now go to the House of Lords to help eradicate the effects of metal theft crimes on Britain’s railways.

The cost of metal theft

The theft of metal is a growing problem in the UK affecting many industry sectors, not just the railway. The current cost to the UK economy is estimated at hundreds of millions of pounds a year and the crime is directly fuelled by the increase in the price of metals, particularly copper and lead.

Neil Henry, our head of operations and performance said: “These crimes continue to cause significant disruption and cost to rail passengers and essential freight services. Today is a significant and important step towards removing the distress and inconvenience caused to millions of people by metal thieves.

“We will continue to work with British Transport Police and invest in methods to better protect the rail network.”

Three years to evaluate the Bill

MPs with concerns on the bill reached a compromise with its supporters to review the bill in three years’ time, with a sunset clause for five years. This gives time to evaluate the bill in action and revise it if necessary.

Read more about how we’re tackling cable theft on the railway.