Track brakes ‘would have saved lives’ - so why is UK reluctant?

October’s collision at Talerddig once again highlighted the vulnerability of lightweight multiple units in low-adhesion conditions. BEN JONES examines whether MTBs could help to reduce the risks

Ben Jones Contributing Writer rail@bauermedia.co.uk

ACCIDENTS such as the collision between two Transport for Wales Class 158 diesel multiple units in mid-Wales on October 21 are rarely caused by a single factor. In this case, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) quickly identified that blocked sanding equipment, combined with poor rail adhesion caused by damp weather and fallen leaves, contributed directly to the failure of the 1831 Shrewsbury-Aberystwyth to stop at Talerddig Loop. It's not the first time a Class 158/159 type diesel multiple unit has been involved in a collision caused by low adhesion in recent years. The serious collision at Salisbury Tunnel Junction on October 31 2021 occurred in similar conditions and at the same time of year, injuring 14 people. At the time, it was the first collision between two moving passenger…

You're reading a preview of

RAIL (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 1026

DiscountMags is a licensed distributor (not a publisher) of the above content and Publication through Zinio LLC. Accordingly, we have no editorial control over the Publications. Any opinions, advice, statements, services, offers or other information or content expressed or made available by third parties, including those made in Publications offered on our website, are those of the respective author(s) or publisher(s) and not of DiscountMags. DiscountMags does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or usefulness of all or any portion of any publication or any services or offers made by third parties, nor will we be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on information contained in any Publication, or your use of services offered, or your acceptance of any offers made through the Service or the Publications. For content removal requests, please contact Zinio.