Rail safety officials say train drivers are ignoring automated stop signals, and have warned three drivers after their trains continued past red lights this year.
In its latest report about train drivers continuing past the stop signals, the Health and Safety Executive said the three drivers, one of them operating a Connex train at Dartford, had continued their journeys without telling signallers.
The warnings come despite a general trend of fewer incidents of Signals Passed at Danger (SPADs).
Two of the three drivers, including one in control of the Connex train, have been told their conduct fell below acceptable safety standards.
The warnings came after the drivers involved stopped their trains at warning signals set off by the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS), then reset the signals and drove on, without telling signallers.
The Connex train driver drove his train toward a station platform, before stopping when he realised there was another train on the same track at the station.
Her Majesty's Rail Inspectorate found Connex had adequate management procedures, but could not find an explanation for the driver violating safety codes.
The rail industry discussed concerns over drivers resetting the automated stopping systems at it's annual SPAD conference in March, and is promising further action.
The level of SPADs in the twelve months before March 2003 was 15 per cent lower than in the previous 12 months.
May 1, 2003 14:00
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article