A MAJOR operator of heritage trains has been banned from Network Rail infrastructure, after a steam-hauled special passed a signal at danger near Swindon.
The incident affected a West Coast Railways charter from Bristol to Southend on the afternoon of 7 March at Wootton Bassett Junction, when the special is reported to have passed a signal at danger.
Although the train came to a stand fouling the main line, the train which the signal had been protecting had already passed by and there was no damage or injuries. The Rail Accident Investigation Board said it had evidence that the AWS and TPWS equipment on the locomotive had been reset so that the normal automatic brake applications triggered by this equipment could not take place.
Network Rail said the occurrence amounted to 'an event of default' by West Coast Railways, whose licence to operate has been suspended from 3 April.
The company must now demonstrate that it will comply with all rules and operating standards in future, and has been given a deadline of 15 May.
A Network Rail spokesman said: "Network Rail has issued a suspension notice to West Coast Railway Company Limited 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.”
Another charter operator which uses West Coast rolling stock has warned that its operations are also being disrupted. Vintage Trains said it is now seeking alternative dates for three charters that it had planned to run during April.
West Coast Railways is the operator of the Jacobite scheduled steam-hauled service between Mallaig and Fort William, which is due to start its season on 11 May. WCR is also set to begin operating more widely in Scotland in partnership with the new ScotRail franchisee Abellio, which plans to run special trains on scenic routes.
A spokesman for WCR said:“We are working hard to reverse the current suspension imposed by Network Rail by fully satisfying their concerns.
“Passengers booked to travel with WCR and on their associated trips should not be concerned. If necessary, WCR will charter the service of another licensed operator using the same traditional carriages, and trips will be unaffected.
“But WCR hope this won’t be necessary and trust any issues will be resolved to the satisfaction of Network Rail.”