HMRI brings relief and dignity to train drivers
The drivers’ union ASLEF has welcomed a letter from the chief inspector of railways Richard Hines which is asking all train operators, including freight companies, to provide suitable toilets for their staff. Drivers have voiced their distress over the lack of toilets, which can be embarrassing and unhygienic.
The Office of Rail and Road has warned the Treasury that a lack of clear policy is discouraging railway investment from the private sector. The ORR has been reviewing its Rail Network Investment Framework, which sets out how third parties like private investors, local authorities and developers can work with Network Rail and the ORR to help with projects ranging from smaller improvements to larger schemes such as new stations or depots.
Eurostar services are returning to normal this morning after a power supply fault in France caused cancellations and delays between London and Paris. Meanwhile train services in parts of Scotland and the north of England are still disrupted this morning as Network Rail engineers carry out safety checks in the wake of Storm Floris.
People are being urged not to attempt train journeys in the north of England and Scotland today, as Storm Floris brings 100km/h winds and heavy rain which will sweep eastwards during the day. The Met Office has issued an Amber warning, and many lines in Scotland will be closed or have fewer and slower services. Network Rail has imposed a blanket speed restriction of 50mph (80km/h) on all Scottish lines.
Nearly 40,000 people are expected to visit The Greatest Gathering railway festival at Alstom in Derby over the next three days. The event is part of the wider Railway 200 celebrations to mark the two centuries which have passed since passengers travelled behind a steam locomotive for the first time on the Stockton & Darlington Railway on 27 September 1825.
The Cumbrian Coast Line has been closed between Whitehaven and Corkicle until further notice after Network Rail engineers discovered weaknesses in the floor of Bransty Tunnel.
The fourth former franchise to be renationalised will return to public ownership in February. South Western Railway and c2c have already been transferred from the private sector to the DfT, and Greater Anglia will follow in October.