§ Ms. GordonTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will make a statement about the collision of two trains on the docklands light railway on 22 April and its implications for the safety of the public.
§ Mr. FreemanThe Health and Safety Executive's railway inspectorate has reported that there was a sideways collision between two trains which converged at a junction on the northern approach to West India Quay station at approximately 7.20 am. A train arriving from Stratford struck the leading coach of a train from Tower Gateway. The latter train was under manual control due to a trackside equipment failure at Westferry station.
This was a low-speed collision, and I was glad to learn that no serious injuries were sustained.
Docklands light railway is urgently investigating the accident. Until the cause is established, and any necessary remedial action taken, additional controls have been implemented to strengthen the existing procedure for emergency manual operation.
I have asked the railway inspectorate to keep me informed of developments.