§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will publish the reasons given for each of the signals passed at danger incidents at the 10 signals most commonly passed when at danger on the rail network. [HL4241]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThis information is contained in Railtrack's 1998–99Railway Group safety report, including reasons given for each signal passed and any mitigation measures introduced. A copy of the report is in the House Library.
§ Lord Tebbitasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that railway safety systems designed to stop trains overrunning signals set at danger are incapable of being overridden by drivers. [HL4244]
§ Lord Macdonald of TradestonThe new train protection and warning system (TPWS) must be approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before it can be brought into operational use. I am advised that HSE will require assurance that if a train passes a red signal or travels at excessive speed it will 39WA not be possible for the driver to override the automatic braking. However in the event of a signalling fault, it may be necessary temporarily to isolate the TPWS equipment on a train in order to allow the train to proceed to a station. HSE is currently examining what means are to be provided for isolating such equipment and the rules for their use. I am advised that arrangements for deterring misuse forms an essential part of HSE's consideration.