RAIB releases update on Elizabeth Line speeding incident

RAIB Findings on the Elizabeth Line Overspeed Incident: The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published its investigation into an incident on 24th September 2024, where an Elizabeth Line train exceeded the speed limit while traversing a set of points near Manor Park station in East London. Although no injuries or damages occurred, the event highlights several key safety concerns and areas for improvement.

Summary of the Incident

• Location & Time: East of Manor Park station, 08:11 on 24th September 2024.
• Train Details: 06:50 service from Heathrow Terminal 5 to Shenfield, operated by MTR Elizabeth Line.
• Event: The train passed over a set of points at 45 mph (72 km/h)—almost double the 25 mph (40 km/h) permissible speed limit.
• Outcome:
  • The train jolted sideways but remained on the tracks.
  • Passengers were briefly unbalanced, with CCTV showing at least one person falling to the floor.
  • No damage to the train, tracks, or infrastructure.

Contributing Factors

1. Route Diversion and Driver Misjudgment:
   • The train was rerouted due to a track circuit failure, from the Down Electric line to the Down Main line, before rejoining the Down Passenger Avoiding line.
   • The driver mistakenly believed they had already entered the Down Avoiding Line and did not anticipate the speed-restricted points ahead.
2. Inadequate Lineside Signage:
   • A 25 mph permissible speed restriction sign before the points was poorly positioned and dirty, making it less effective as a warning.
3. Driver Familiarity with the Route:
   • The driver had not traversed the Down Passenger Avoiding line since their initial training, five years prior.
   • Although they had received regular route safety assessments and a diversion briefing in March 2024, these were conducted through briefings rather than practical, in-cab experience.

RAIB Findings

The RAIB emphasized two critical areas for improvement:

1. Route Knowledge and Training:
   • Operators should ensure drivers have regular opportunities to refresh their knowledge of both main and diversionary routes through hands-on experience, not just theoretical briefings.
2. Signage Maintenance and Visibility:
   • Lineside speed restriction signs must be correctly positioned, legible, and clearly visible at all times to assist drivers in adhering to safety limits.

Implications for Safety

This incident underscores the importance of:

• Enhanced Driver Training: Regular exposure to alternative routes ensures drivers can confidently navigate diversions.
• Proactive Infrastructure Maintenance: Ensuring signs are clean and properly located reduces the risk of confusion in critical areas.
• Operational Awareness: Rail operators should continuously assess the practicality of their training and briefing procedures, particularly for infrequently used routes.

Conclusion

While the incident did not result in injuries or damage, the RAIB findings serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining safety standards. By improving training practices and ensuring the clarity of infrastructure, rail operators can help prevent similar incidents in the future.