§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many fatalities due to passengers falling from train doors have occurred during each of the last five years(a) on the west coast main line and (b) on the national railway network; and what action he is taking to prevent further fatalities. [38232]
§ Mr. WattsInformation on fatalities involving passengers falling from train doors on the west coast main line is available only at disproportionate cost.
Passenger fatalities on the national railway network involving falls from trains from 1991–92 to 1995–96 are as follows:
- 1991–92: 19
- 1992–93: 9
- 1993–94: 8
- 1994–95: 6
- 1995–96: 3 (figures for 1995–96 are provisional)
The statistics up to 1994–95 are taken from the 1994–95 chief inspecting officer of railways annual report on the safety record of the railways in Great Britain, a copy of which is held in the Library.
In 1993 the Health and Safety Executive published its report into passenger falls from train doors. This raised passenger and staff awareness and maintenance standards. As a result the accident rate has fallen. Although much progress has been made by the railways, HSE's railway inspectorate continues to monitor maintenance standards of doors and locks and technical modifications. All InterCity trains now have a centralised locking system fitted, operated by the guard, who normally will free the doors to be opened only when trains are stationary at the platform.