The reporter has raised a concern regarding a number of temporary speed restrictions (TSR) in place on the [Rail Infrastructure Manager's (RIM)] network.
The reporter has referenced track condition report [multiple numbers] in which speed restrictions are in place for as little as 1, 2 and 6 metres. In addition, the speed restrictions are higher than the speed limits either side of the restrictions.
The reporter believes that the TSRs have been put in place purely as a box ticking exercise without thought given as to how these TSRs integrate with overall network operations.
The reporter believes that the current TSRs have potential to cause driver confusion, and that there is a risk that speed limits will be violated either side of the restrictions, as drivers attempt to adhere to the TSRs. Speed violations have obvious safety consequences.
The reporter queries the training of personnel issuing the TSRs and the procedures in place for implementing the TSRs in isolation of other network rules/conditions.
TSRs are one of a number of controls that form part of our SMS and are implemented to ensure the safety of the network once a condition affecting the track is identified. TSRs remain in place until the condition is appropriately managed or resolved. [RIM] has a well-developed process for managing TSRs in line with the [Code of Practice] which considers a series of safety aspects, including track geometry and rail wear. Decisions on the implementation of TSRs are informed by data collected through physical inspections, the continuous rail flaw rail detection vehicle, and the track geometry car. Track conditions are managed and reported through [RIM's] computerised asset management system (CAMS). Our people responsible for assessing track conditions and the implementation of TSRs are highly trained, experienced in managing track conditions, qualified in accordance with the National Competencies and hold valid Rail Industry Worker (RIW) cards. When implementing TSRs, [RIM] takes into consideration the effect on customers, and it is not uncommon to bundle multiple track conditions into one TSR to minimise the impact on the drivers on a section of track.
The Track Condition Report (TCR) numbers quoted in the report are all in relation to TSRs implemented on the evening of [date] following an engineering review of known conditions.
An engineering review was completed at approximately [time/date] and had identified that some track conditions needed to be managed by the implementation of TSRs. Consistent with [RIM's] commitment to safety, the team conducting safety assurance activities contacted Network Control and requested that speed restrictions be imposed overnight until they could confirm the next day that the correct speed boards were erected. Thus, the trains were warned of a Condition Affecting the Network (CAN) and were asked not to exceed certain speeds in the affected areas. As the first trains traversed the affected areas it was confirmed that the conditions were covered by TSR boards, and the CAN warning was cancelled.
During this process, we kept train drivers regularly informed of the status of the network. On the following day, a risk assessment was conducted to ensure controls adequately addressed the known conditions in the immediate future until they could be resolved. As a result of the risk assessment, TSRs across the area were reviewed and speed boards were installed or adjusted on track. Importantly, the maintenance teams worked with above rail operators and contractors to secure track times and resources required to resolve the known conditions promptly. Works were carried out [4 days later] and the known track conditions were resolved.
ONRSR has reviewed the reporter’s concerns and operator’s response. ONRSR has conducted several regulatory activities on the operator involved as part of the national work program including track maintenance and management of temporary speed restrictions. ONRSR has a regulatory activity scheduled which will include a review of competencies of rail safety workers that apply temporary speed restrictions.