NORTHERN TRAINS LTD – INTRODUCTION OF CCTV ASSISTED DISPATCH AT SHIPLEY

Our ref: HSR

Head Office Circular: NP/270/24

13^th November 2024

To: The Secretary

EURO PASSNGER SERVICES BRANCH

REGIONAL COUNCILS

 

Dear Colleague

 

NORTHERN TRAINS LTD – INTRODUCTION OF CCTV ASSISTED DISPATCH AT SHIPLEY

 

I have received correspondence from my conductors’ health and safety representative advising that as a result of an increase in traction length operating on the infrastructure between Leeds, Bradford Foster Square, Ilkley and Skipton and also acknowledging the curvature of the platform at Shipley Station and the impact upon lines of sight, Northern Trains Ltd are to introduce additional platform-based CCTV monitors to assist the conductor in the safe despatch of the train service.

 

I understand that the conductors’ council are content with what is being proposed and have advised that they have been both engaged and consulted on all aspects of the scheme.

 

            At its meeting on 7^th November 2024, your National Executive Committee noted and adopted the following report from its health and safety sub-committee:

 

We note the correspondence on file from the lead officer and conductors’ health and safety representative, for which they are thanked. We further note that industrial and safety reps have been consulted extensively on the proposal and are happy that the hazards can be controlled with any risk reduced to as low as can be reasonably expected.

 

Given that this process does not conflict with the union’s policy on CCTV and is designed with the intention of improving safety for conductors, the General Secretary is instructed to direct the lead officer to accept Northern Trains’ introduction of additional platform-based CCTV monitors to assist the Conductor in the safe despatch of the train service.

 

We note that in this case CCTV is being utilised to assist conductor dispatch. However, we believe that there should be no extension of dispatch without train dispatchers and that platform dispatch staff should be utilised instead of CCTV given the safety record of PTI incidents. More, rather than fewer, platform staff are needed across the network.

 

Relevant Branches and Regional Councils to be notified.

 

I am acting in line with these instructions; please bring this circular to the attention of all relevant members.

 

            Yours sincerely

 

 

 

Michael Lynch 

General Secretary