Download a CIRAS report form
  • Freephone: 0800 4 101 101
  • Text us on: 07507 285 887
  • Freepost: Freepost CIRAS
  • Call me back
A safety net when all else fails

50645 ‘Rough riding’ incidents between Small Heath and Tyseley

May 2012 in Network Rail and Suppliers

tagged Infrastructure Work environment West Midlands

A reporter has expressed concern that 'rough riding' is occurring when fast trains travel over a particular crossover located between Small Heath and Tyseley.  

CIRAS previously received a report (40841) on this issue in 2009.  Network Rail responded stating:

          "The section of track referred to was installed as part of the Tyseley re-modelling work        in late 2007/early 2008. We acknowledge that the ride could be improved, and have engineering work planned there in 11 weeks' time."

The reporter feels that 'rough riding' is once again a problem at this location.  When fast trains leave Birmingham Moor Street travelling to either Solihull or Acocks Green, they do not stop at Small Heath or Tyseley, which means they are often travelling at 60mph when they pass over the crossover.  Travelling at speed over the crossover is causing staff who are moving through the carriages to be thrown off balance, resulting in injuries as they are not able to hold on anything to support themselves.  This also poses a risk to passengers.

According to the reporter, although incidences of 'rough riding' occur every time a fast train travels over this crossover, staff do not know exactly when they are going to pass it and therefore cannot take precautionary action to prevent themselves from falling.

For Network Rail:

  • Could the crossover located between Small Heath and Tyseley be inspected, with a view to improving the ride and reducing the speed at which trains travel over this section of the line?

 For Chiltern and London Midland:

  • Could staff receive an onboard warning when trains are about to travel over the crossover and also remain seated during this time?
  • Could staff be briefed not to walk through the carriages between Small Heath and Tyseley?

Response from Network Rail

Network Rail take reports of rough rides very seriously and would firstly like to thank the reporter for raising the issue. 

We have in place a robust and comprehensive review process looking at track quality issues.  At the location identified in the report, the process consists of weekly track inspections and four weekly runs of a track recording vehicle. 

The current data demonstrates that at this location the track is of good quality and that all parameters are within tolerance.  Furthermore, we have sent Engineers to site to carry out inspections and cab rides and can confirm that the track is in order.

We will continue to monitor the track quality in that area closely utilising our existing processes.

  Awaiting responses from Chiltern and London Midland

 

50645