Concern that axing of train guards could affect passenger safety

Train on fire near Smithy Bridge

Following a warning from Rail Union RMT regarding the axing of train guards passengers with concerns regarding the proposals have also come forward.

Mark Billington, who was on board a train last year when it caught fire, said: “Following the train fire near Smithy Bridge, which I happened to be on, I spoke to a guard the following day and the train driver’s priority is to contact Network Rail signalling to stop all other trains coming down the track where the incident is. In our case, due to hills, the driver used a trackside phone like ones found on the sides of the motorway. In terms of this, with axing of the guards what would happen?”

A spokesperson for Network Rail has confirmed that in any case of an emergency, the train driver would liaise with Network Rail to safely manage the situation.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said: “In the event of a fire on a train, the driver would contact Network Rail and we would liaise with him or her to safely manage the situation, working with the emergency services as required.”

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/91897/rolling-stock-crisis-and-overcrowding-exposes-lethal-consequences-of-axing-guards