Yellow Front Ends on Trains

Our Ref: HSR/2/15
Head Office Circular: NP/151/18
9th August 2018
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
ALL SHIPPING BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS

Dear Colleague,

YELLOW FRONT ENDS ON TRAINS

Further to Head Office Circular NP/092/18, 23rd May 2018, our representatives have taken part in a workshop conducted by TPE. It is clear from the report of our representative that the RMT’s concerns that this proposal is unsafe are shared by Network Rail. The company has stated that the “introduction of trains without a conspicuous front-end colour while there remain passive level crossings and lookout warning for track work on the lines of route served by TPE service would not be as safe as is reasonably practicable”. It is also clear from the workshop that the decision to abandon yellow front ends is based on commercial and branding issues and not on safety.

On considering the report of our representatives the NEC have noted and adopted the following report of their Health and Safety Sub-committee:

That we note the report on file and reiterate our position that we are opposed to the unnecessary initiative to remove Yellow front ends from trains. The General Secretary is instructed to seek urgent meetings with TPE, TFL/MTR-Crossrail and any other operator seeking to take this initiative to ensure that rolling stock has Yellow front ends as standard. Further developments to be placed before this NEC.

Branches and Regional Councils be advised

I am acting in accordance with these instructions. Please make the contents of this circular available to all appropriate members.

Yours sincerely

Mick Cash
General Secretary