RMT calls for an end to the plan to axe guards

Rail Union RMT

Rail Union RMT has called for an immediate halt and reversal of plans to axe guards from Britain's trains after the rail safety body, the RSSB, produced new research warning of a growing danger at the platform train interface and increasing risk to passengers of potentially lethal trap and drag incidents.

RSSB points out that there were over 1,500 incidents at the platform train interface in the past year and says in its report: "...rail companies will want to do everything they can to make passengers safe. That includes managing the risk when trains leave stations and fully learning from incidents when they do occur."

RMT says that this proves conclusively the need for guards on trains with platform staff working with them as part of the over-arching rail safety team. The union also says it reinforces the central argument that "greedy train companies are putting their profits before passenger safety".

‎General Secretary Mick Cash said; "This research reinforces the growing dangers to passengers at the platform, train interface on Britain's overcrowded railways and underlines why RMT is fighting attempts to remove guards and station staff in the drive for increased profits.

"Trap and drag incidents are‎ a clear and present danger as this study highlights and the safety body should stop propping up the train companies and the government and start supporting front line rail staff.‎"