CITY leaders have made a plea for more trains for the rail network around Exeter.

Their appeal comes in a submission to the Department for Transport prior to it deciding who will get the region's rail franchise from 2013 to 2028.

Exeter is set to become a key part of Devon Metro – with new stations planned for Newcourt, Marsh Barton and Monkerton.

But there are claims the existing fleet of rolling stock is old and not large enough to cope with current demand.

Karime Hassan, strategic director at Exeter City Council, said: "The Department for Transport assumes that the existing rolling stock will be enough and there are no new diesel trains to be purchased nationally. There is no more capacity on the trains.

"Even if we get the Thames Valley stock, which they will no longer need when they change over to electrification, this won't be enough on its own as our whole fleet is getting older.

"We need our politicians to lobby for new rolling stock as we have a capacity problem."

He added: "The Department for Transport treats Exeter as a rural service – but it has a commuter service and for that we need rolling stock.

"The national government can respond to our needs in terms of the new franchise. which is soon to be awarded to cover the next 15 years."

In its submission to the Department for Transport, the city council says a fleet of go-anywhere diesel trains for local lines in areas without electrification is urgently needed for Exeter and the wider South West. The city believes that this would provide enough capacity now, as well as allow for growth and for the removal of the oldest trains.

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw said: "Better rolling stock must be the top priority for services to and from Exeter. We must use the opportunity provided by the new franchise being up for grabs to insist that whichever company wins it is required to improve rolling stock as their first priority."

Hugo Swire, MP for East Devon, said: "Following recent meetings with local rail user groups I feel it is important to arrange a meeting locally with operators, councils and user groups to discuss the transportation needs for Exeter and the surrounding area for the next decade.

"It will be an opportunity for stakeholders and representatives to share their views on all the issues, including new rolling stock, and lobbying will come out of this."

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, said: "We are already seeking through the franchise process, and also separately with the DfT, for measures to be in place to accelerate the funding of infrastructure and rolling stock enhancements to increase capacity where it is needed. We are also urging the Government to consider greater freedom for the franchisee to obtain more rolling stock.

"With existing overcrowding on our local branch lines and on longer-distance journeys to London, it is important that we are able to increase the capacity of trains."