Non Yellow Train Front End

Our Ref: HSR/2/15
Head Office Circular: NP/158/17
 6th October 2017

The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague

Non Yellow Train Front End

I have been made aware that Transpennine Express are to stop having Yellow front ends on their trains.

Concerns have been raised over the reduction in safety by this removal, particularly for those members who access and work on or about the track. We are all aware that trains are getting longer and much quieter, but to remove the Yellow front and effectively camouflage the train into its environment is not a progressive safety action. A lookout for example will be sighting the train and making assessment of its distance, location and line, for the train to effectively disappear into the background or the adjacent environment by the removal of the yellow frontage and is a step too far. We appreciate that improved lighting is now fitted to trains, however, that is not readily sighted during the summer or early autumn months and this is a reduction in the safety of workers on or about the line.

I have written to the ORR, RSSB, Network Rail, the Rail Delivery Group and our sister unions at ASLEF & TSSA objecting to the option of their removal by the TOC, and we will continue to oppose similar changes by any other Train Operating Company.

Any further developments or change and I will keep you updated.

Yours sincerely

 
Mick Cash
General Secretary