40801 No lighting at Chaddesden Sidings since May 2008

January 2010 in Network Rail and Suppliers

Equipment Work environment Central East Midlands

A reporter is concerned about the lack of lighting at Chaddesden Sidings, which is the site of a busy shunting and marshalling yard.

The yard is in constant use and is open 24 hours a day, but at night there is no illumination at all, despite the fact lighting infrastructure is in place. The reporter suspects that the lighting problem is down to wiring. Unfortunately, the situation hasn‟t been resolved since Fastline Freight began using the yard in May 2008. Network Rail are believed to be responsible for the lighting at this location.

In terms of the safety risk posed, the reporter states that if a train was sent down the wrong road by mistake, a low speed collision with wagons could occur if a driver wasn‟t able to see ahead properly. Also, when uncoupling wagons the risk of injury is much greater when it is not possible to see properly; uncoupling requires the use of both hands and any hand lamp needs to be put down.

The lighting problem is compounded by overgrown vegetation - six foot high in places - and wiring left lying around posing an obvious slip and trip hazard.

Could Network Rail please clarify when the lighting is due to be operational?

Could Fastline Freight clear the yard of slip and trip hazards?

Response from Network Rail

The lighting that is referred to by the reporter is not Network Rail Infrastructure. Commercial property have investigated this and concluded that a previous occupier installed it. There is no agreement for a lighting system to be supplied by Network Rail within this Network siding.

When the sidings were occupied by Midland Mainline in 2007 as part of the Etches

Park refurbishment, they supplied their own temporary lighting system which they removed when the project was completed.

Network Rail have already undertaken vegetation works at these sidings and will continue to maintain as required.