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West Coast Suspended

You are here: Home > Forum > Miscellaneous > The real thing (anything else rail-oriented) > West Coast Suspended

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West Coast Suspended 24/04/2015 at 20:00 #71432
tonyxr
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I believe that this is the latest (and most serious) instance of breaches of safety regs with WCR. If I remember correctly they were warned about practices last year.
I would think that somebody must have overridden the AWS, as it would have started to brake after the yellow signal

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West Coast Suspended 24/04/2015 at 23:52 #71438
Frankley Junction
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37 posts
" said:
I would think that somebody must have overridden the AWS, as it would have started to brake after the yellow signal
Tony if you read the interim statement from RAIB, that is not in question and additionally, the TPWS was made placed into a non operational state by the WCRC crew - https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dangerous-occurrence-at-wootton-bassett-junction-wiltshire.

Ron, I would concur with your sentiments, but not in that language. Any vertical integration of infrastructure and train operator needs to have in its safety procedures a robust and transparent process for dealing with human error and not compounding that error by isolating safety critical equipment.

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West Coast Suspended 25/04/2015 at 06:04 #71441
Peter Bennet
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Post 25 (they've probably been renumbered to most users though) deleted under forum rule 7 (profanity). Unusually no one had reported it to me!

Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
Last edited: 25/04/2015 at 06:04 by Peter Bennet
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West Coast Suspended 26/04/2015 at 15:25 #71454
sloppyjag
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480 posts
" said:
Does WCRC run the Belmond Pullman?
The Belmond Royal Scotsman was operated by WCRC. They have contracted GBRf to do the honours until further notice, with the added interest of 66732 doing the main part of the 1st tour of the season and 55022 (disguised as 55003 "Meld"getting a break from Yoker-Kimarnock EMU duties to do the bit between Inverness and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Planotransitophobic!
Last edited: 26/04/2015 at 15:26 by sloppyjag
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West Coast Suspended 08/05/2015 at 17:16 #71979
Peter Bennet
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5402 posts
Appears NR have lifted the ban, though I understand the ORR investigation is ongoing.


Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
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West Coast Suspended 08/05/2015 at 18:02 #71985
Steamer
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" said:
Appears NR have lifted the ban, though I understand the ORR investigation is ongoing.


Peter
For anyone unaware, the ORR started a 28-day consultation period on the 17th April, so their side of things won't be wrapped up until at least the 15th May.

This is excellent news for WCRC, let's hope they can put it behind them and operate for many years to come. It's also good news for anyone booked on the Jacobite (the twice daily steam service between Fort William and Mallaig), which starts on Monday.

"Don't stress/ relax/ let life roll off your backs./ Except for death and paying taxes/ everything in life.../ is only for now." (Avenue Q)
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West Coast Suspended 21/05/2015 at 10:45 #72554
Steamer
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" said:
For anyone unaware, the ORR started a 28-day consultation period on the 17th April, so their side of things won't be wrapped up until at least the 15th May.
The ORR has concluded its consultation and has decided that it will not revoke WCRC's safety certificate. However, it has issued an Improvement Notice, and will continue to make inspections to ensure compliance.

Full article here.

"Don't stress/ relax/ let life roll off your backs./ Except for death and paying taxes/ everything in life.../ is only for now." (Avenue Q)
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West Coast Suspended 24/11/2015 at 17:16 #78100
Danny252
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1461 posts
Well, here we are again:

Quote:
“The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has temporarily prohibited West Coast Railway Company Ltd from operating steam trains on the mainline rail network, to protect the safety of its staff, volunteers, passengers and members of the public.

“The enforcement action follows an initial investigation into an incident near Doncaster on 2 October 2015, which found staff on-board locomotive 45231 had turned-off its Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) isolation equipment, designed to apply an emergency brake if the driver makes an error.

“ORR will not allow the company to run trains where there are not effective controls in place for key safety systems. The regulator is working with the company to make the required improvements before services resume.”

The prohibition comes into effect at 23.00 tonight (November 24). Diesel power operations are not affected.
(Via The Railway Magazine)

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 00:10 #78118
arabianights
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" said:
Well, here we are again:

Quote:
“The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has temporarily prohibited West Coast Railway Company Ltd from operating steam trains on the mainline rail network, to protect the safety of its staff, volunteers, passengers and members of the public.

“The enforcement action follows an initial investigation into an incident near Doncaster on 2 October 2015, which found staff on-board locomotive 45231 had turned-off its Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) isolation equipment, designed to apply an emergency brake if the driver makes an error.

“ORR will not allow the company to run trains where there are not effective controls in place for key safety systems. The regulator is working with the company to make the required improvements before services resume.”

The prohibition comes into effect at 23.00 tonight (November 24). Diesel power operations are not affected.
(Via The Railway Magazine)
Just taking the mickey at this point.

I wonder how the incident came to light...

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 13:45 #78127
Chrisrail
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FOR INFORMATION – UPDATE ON WEST COAST RAILWAYS’ STEAM OPERATIONS BAN
at 1745 on Tuesday 24 November

Earlier today, it was advised that ORR had served a Prohibition Notice banning all West Coast Railways steam operations effective from 2300 hours today (Tuesday 24 November).

Network Rail has since received an update from ORR which has explained that two of West Coast Railways’ steam locomotives now have permission from ORR to operate as normal. These steam locomotives are:

‘Mayflower’ no. 61306 (TOPS 98506); and
Black 5 no 45407 (TOPS 98507)

This means that West Coast Railways steam operations hauled by these two locomotives ONLY may operate as normal, and we expect that West Coast Railways will use these steam locomotives in service in the coming days.

For the avoidance of doubt, West Coast Railways train movements by any other steam locomotives remain prohibited until further notice.

West Coast Railways train movements using diesel traction remain unaffected and can operate as normal (as has always been the case).

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 20:08 #78138
Sacro
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" said:
...operate as normal.
Oh dear... :doh

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 20:52 #78139
northroad
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What I am trying to get my head around is the fact that on Friday 2nd October when the altercation is supposed to have happened, 45231 was operating a positioning move from Carnforth to Doncaster. On Saturday 3rd October it was still allowed to take over the Cleethorpes to Carlisle excursion as planned from Doncaster to Carlisle. (All according to the steam info web page which is usually spot on with any changes). If the incident was as serious as would appear then it would seem to point to the fact that the engines equipment was either operational and isolated by the crew or made operational after the event, otherwise it would not have been allowed to continue as intended on the Saturday. The ORR took a rather long time to bring into force the operational restriction notice.
It will be interesting to see if this has any repercussions to any or all steam excursions across the network, I for one hope it does not but only time will tell.

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 21:48 #78142
Danny252
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" said:
The ORR took a rather long time to bring into force the operational restriction notice.
It could be that the circumstances of the incident weren't reported or made clear to the ORR for some time, for one reason or another.

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West Coast Suspended 25/11/2015 at 23:26 #78146
Sacro
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1171 posts
" said:
" said:
The ORR took a rather long time to bring into force the operational restriction notice.
It could be that the circumstances of the incident weren't reported or made clear to the ORR for some time, for one reason or another.
Perhaps, it certainly wouldn't be the first railtour to have driven off without correctly reporting the incident.

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West Coast Suspended 26/11/2015 at 15:29 #78161
Stephen Fulcher
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It may be worth waiting for the ORR and RAIB to release their investigation reports rather than draw conclusions.
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West Coast Suspended 03/12/2015 at 17:01 #78375
pbinnersley
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" said:
FOR INFORMATION – UPDATE ON WEST COAST RAILWAYS’ STEAM OPERATIONS BAN
at 1745 on Tuesday 24 November

Earlier today, it was advised that ORR had served a Prohibition Notice banning all West Coast Railways steam operations effective from 2300 hours today (Tuesday 24 November).

Network Rail has since received an update from ORR which has explained that two of West Coast Railways’ steam locomotives now have permission from ORR to operate as normal. These steam locomotives are:

‘Mayflower’ no. 61306 (TOPS 98506); and
Black 5 no 45407 (TOPS 98507)

I saw 46233 & support coach heading south through Coventry this afternoon so I presume the restriction has been relaxed further or lifted.

Peter.

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West Coast Suspended 03/12/2015 at 17:17 #78377
headshot119
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4869 posts
" said:
" said:
FOR INFORMATION – UPDATE ON WEST COAST RAILWAYS’ STEAM OPERATIONS BAN
at 1745 on Tuesday 24 November

Earlier today, it was advised that ORR had served a Prohibition Notice banning all West Coast Railways steam operations effective from 2300 hours today (Tuesday 24 November).

Network Rail has since received an update from ORR which has explained that two of West Coast Railways’ steam locomotives now have permission from ORR to operate as normal. These steam locomotives are:

‘Mayflower’ no. 61306 (TOPS 98506); and
Black 5 no 45407 (TOPS 98507)

I saw 46233 & support coach heading south through Coventry this afternoon so I presume the restriction has been relaxed further or lifted.

Peter.
It's being relaxed one loco at a time when WCRC prove the TPWS "anti-tamper" mods have been carried out!

"Passengers for New Lane, should be seated in the rear coach of the train " - Opinions are my own and not those of my employer
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West Coast Suspended 09/12/2015 at 14:50 #78583
Danny252
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Relating to the original Wootton Bassett incident, the ORR has now launched criminal proceedings against WCRC and the driver, see e.g. http://railwayherald.com/uknews/orr-starts-criminal-proceedings-against-wcr
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West Coast Suspended 09/12/2015 at 15:40 #78586
Peter Bennet
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" said:
Relating to the original Wootton Bassett incident, the ORR has now launched criminal proceedings against WCRC and the driver, see e.g. http://railwayherald.com/uknews/orr-starts-criminal-proceedings-against-wcr
Out of interest I looked up the legal provisions the charges referred to (Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974)

Charges against the driver are:
Section 7 General duties of employees at work.

It shall be the duty of every employee while at work—
(a)to take reasonable care for the health and safety of himself and of other persons who may be affected by his acts or omissions at work;

Section 8 Duty not to interfere with or misuse things provided pursuant to certain provisions.

No person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse anything provided in the interests of health, safety or welfare in pursuance of any of the relevant statutory provisions.

And against WCRC

Section 2 General duties of employers to their employees.

(1)It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees.

Section 3 General duties of employers and self-employed to persons other than their employees.

(1)It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety.

Offences:

Section 30
33 Offences.

(1)It is an offence for a person—

(a)to fail to discharge a duty to which he is subject by virtue of sections 2 to 7;

(b)to contravene section 8 or 9;

SCHEDULE 3A
OFFENCES: MODE OF TRIAL AND MAXIMUM PENALTY


An offence under section 33(1)(a) consisting of a failure to discharge a duty to which a person is subject by virtue of sections 2 to 6. Summarily or on indictment. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or a fine not exceeding £20,000, or both. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.

An offence under section 33(1)(a) consisting of a failure to discharge a duty to which a person is subject by virtue of section 7. Summarily or on indictment. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.

An offence under section 33(1)(b) consisting of a contravention of section 8. Summarily or on indictment. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or a fine not exceeding £20,000, or both. Imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both.


Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
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West Coast Suspended 09/12/2015 at 23:58 #78605
RainbowNines
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272 posts
If you look back over the years of railway incidents, it's very rare that a member of staff is tried, let alone convicted (at least in terms of incidents that have been reported on by the various inspectors).

I wonder if this, coupled with the very unfortunate incident at James Street a few years ago, might signal a bit of a change in the industry's approach to criminally prosecuting culpable staff?

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West Coast Suspended 10/12/2015 at 09:36 #78614
KymriskaDraken
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963 posts
" said:
If you look back over the years of railway incidents, it's very rare that a member of staff is tried, let alone convicted (at least in terms of incidents that have been reported on by the various inspectors).

I wonder if this, coupled with the very unfortunate incident at James Street a few years ago, might signal a bit of a change in the industry's approach to criminally prosecuting culpable staff?
The problem with prosecutions is that a very high level of proof is needed, probably much greater than is needed in the Railway Inquiries. I suspect that the Inquiry has a burden of proof somewhere in line with "the balance of probabilities" whereas a criminal prosecution has to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt".


Kev

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West Coast Suspended 10/12/2015 at 10:35 #78615
Peter Bennet
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Just a thought, as prosecutions are pending it might be sub judice to comment any further.

Peter

I identify as half man half biscuit - crumbs!
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West Coast Suspended 27/06/2016 at 22:09 #83261
AndyG
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1842 posts
Quote:
West Coast Railway Company (WCR) has been fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £64,000. This follows a prosecution brought by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) for breaches of health and safety laws which led to a train passing a signal at danger near Wootton Bassett on March 7 2015.

Melvyn Cox, a train driver with 40 years’ experience, has also received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.
http://www.railmagazine.com/news

{thread unlocked after court proceedings completed}

I can only help one person a day. Today's not your day. Tomorrow doesn't look too good either.
Last edited: 27/06/2016 at 22:11 by AndyG
Reason: unlocked

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