§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Secretary of State for Transport if he will introduce additional safety measures to safeguard road users and pedestrians from trains shunted at Botanic sidings, Hull, on to the road at the junction of Princes Avenue, Spring Bank; and if he will publish the inspector of railways' report on the causes of the last incident, indicating the steps being taken to prevent a recurrence.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThe accident on 10 June 1981, when a train being shunted pushed the buffer-stops into the road and a car struck the obstruction, was reported to the Department.
660WAlthough no formal inquiry was ordered and no report will be issued, the accident was investigated by the Railway Inspectorate. It occurred because the train was moved before its brakes were fully effective. In some circumstances, a diesel multiple unit train should not be moved before 90 seconds after starting up to allow time for a full brake vacuum to be created.
As a result of a road widening scheme I am told that the buffer-stops are to be repositioned and rebuilt. This should prevent a recurrence so long as normal safety procedures are followed.