Rail: Track infrastructure

Safety concern regarding track conditions

Safety concern regarding the removal of safety check rails on bridges throughout [Operator's] network.

The concern related to the poor standard of track in the network leading to a number of major derailments on the mainline, and drivers being instructed to follow a computer based driving system even when they did not think the system was driving the train in the safest manner.

The concern related to the delay in responding to a fault in the system which prevents the unintended use of a section of track in the computerised train control system.

The concern related to the repair of a track evaluation vehicle used by the operator to conduct track inspections and the use of the replacement equipment that cannot adequately inspect the track.

The concern related to the actions taken by management in downgrading or deleting faults on the operator’s track infrastructure without following the procedures.

The concern related to a rail crossing where the reporter advised that the audible alarm had been switched off