Forum Brief: Train safety

Alistair Darling is to implement a new train safety device recommended by the Health and Safety Commission.

The transport secretary has accepted the commission's advice that the European Rail Traffic Management System should be put in place.

Forum Response: Association of Train Operating Companies

A spokesman for ATOC told ePolitix.com: "ATOC welcomes Alistair Darling's decision. As soon as European Rail Traffic Management System Level 2 is ready, we will implement it across the rail network."

Forum Response: Transport and Salaried Staffs Association

A spokesman for TSSA told ePolitix.com: "TSSA welcomes the announcement by Alistair Darling that he will be instructing the SRA to develop a programme for Level 2 ERTMS development, following advice from the Health and Safety Commission.

"TSSA contributed to the HSC's review of the ERTMS 1 project and we feel it is essential that Level 2 be implemented as this has potential capacity and track worker safety benefits.

"The industry and passengers want to see a modern train control system installed on the UK network. But no one wants to see capacity decrease as overcrowding and workplace stress and potentially violence will increase.

"Though it is disappointing that the Uff/Cullen timetable cannot be adhered to, like the government and HSC, we recognise as this is developing technology, that timetable is untenable.

"However, given the prevarication on introducing a train control system following Clapham Junction it is wholly understandable that the travelling public is cynical about the rail industry's capacity to deliver.

"But this is not a problem just for the industry - with rail being a strategic public utility government support is also vital.

"TSSA wants to see all parties publicly declaring a binding commitment to ERTMS installation as soon as technology and resources allow."