A target to replace ancient slam-door trains is going to be missed, according to an official watchdog.

Newer rolling stock will not be ready to meet the government's December deadline, a report on Wednesday revealed.

The National Audit Office (NAO) found only 400 slam-door trains have been taken out of service, with another 1,600 remaining. Of the 4,500 new carriages ordered by the 25 train-operating companies, only 2,000 have actually come into use.

The report estimated that a further 300 new carriages could be introduced in early 2004, but even this could face delay if essential upgrade work is not completed by then, with taxpayers likely to meet possible liabilities of more than £7 million.

Problems

In addition, new trains have been found to be less suitable for passengers than the older models, due to problems with their layout inside, and difficulties with accessibility for disabled users.

The NAO recommended that the Department for Transport work with the Strategic Rail Authority (SRA) and other bodies to bring industry standards under the watch of a new regulatory body with responsibility for bringing a more coherent set of requirements.

Impact

The report also suggested that the SRA and the Health and Safety Executive clarify the impact on the industry of new European legislation.

"While some passengers are enjoying the improved facilities and ride provided by the new trains, many others are still waiting for their new trains to enter service," said auditor general Sir John Bourn.

"And too often the trains turn out to be unreliable in everyday use because they haven't been sufficiently tested.

"The Strategic Rail Authority needs to redouble its efforts to help get new trains into service on time and running reliably for the benefit of passengers and the taxpayer."

Political row

Tory transport spokesman Theresa May said the report was "clear evidence that our railways have hit yet another low".

"Not only do the trains arrive late at the stations, but they can't even arrive from the factory on time," she said.

"In some cases it has taken two and a half years to deliver new trains, leaving passengers on old, uncomfortable, and dirty rolling stock.

“The report puts the blame for these delays on the lack of information supplied to manufacturers.

"The system has been so incompetent that supply lines have been unable to power the new rolling stock, leading to a further delay in the replacement of aged and unsafe slam door trains. It is unacceptable that the taxpayer may well have to pick up the bill for these government failures to the tune of  £7 million."

However a spokesman for the Department for Transport defended the new trains.

“We are in the midst of the biggest train replacement programme ever seen in this country with 40 per cent of all trains being replaced in five years," he said.

"Passengers will benefit from travelling on modern, comfortable, safe trains.”