Jacobite Steam Train Firm BANNED Over Major Safety Failings

By Connor Gillies

The train firm which runs the Jacobite Steam train in the Highlands of Scotland has been banned from operating in the UK over "massive safety failings". West Coast Railways has been slapped with a 6 week ban by Network Rail.

The company has also been told to make 7 improvements or face even tougher sanctions.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Network Rail has issued a suspension notice to West Coast Railway Company Limited (WCR) as a result of ongoing safety concerns.

“This decision has not been taken lightly, however safety will always be our number one priority.

“We have set out a number of actions to address the safety concerns raised and will continue to work with WCR to ensure their services can run safely in future.”

It is unclear whether the popular steam train trip between Fort William and Mallaig will go ahead this summer as a result of the sanctions.

Network Rail made the following recommendations which should be actioned by the 15th of May:

1. Introduce an effective, risk-based driver monitoring regime that includes proactively using analysis of On Train Data Recorder downloads for a representative and sufficient sample of diagrams;

2. Demonstrate there is in place an effective and secure system of tamper-evident seals for train **protection isolator cocks on all relevant traction;

3. Implement arrangements to accurately record, monitor and manage all train protection activations (including Automatic Warning System and Train Protection and Warning System), and provide clear instructions to all train crew, including support crew, on the actions expected **of them report and respond to train protection activation;

4. Establish a time-bound plan to recommence and complete implementation of the actions **arising from Network Rail’s review of WCR’s Safety Management System in January 2015;

5. Review and implement appropriate changes to company processes to be able to demonstrate that all safety and operational information is received and positively acknowledged by train drivers;

6. Demonstrate by independent assurance that there is an effective system for managing access **to traction footplates/cabs in traffic, with clear communication protocols; and

7. Clarify the safety accountabilities for each Director and independently review the effectiveness of the company’s safety assurance and governance arrangements to demonstrate that those accountabilities are discharged.

No one from West Coast Railways was available for comment.