Near miss at Victoria (London)

[james_shugg@my-deja.com]

This is off topic geographically, but may be of interest to those who
follow safe-working practices.

A major signal failure at Victoria station caused big delays last night
(2/1). All signals were at red, and drivers were being told
individually to pass them. However two packed, late trains left at the
same time from different platforms on converging tracks, and only the
quick action of a signaller who issued a verbal "Stop!" command to all
trains in the vicinity, and cut power to the trains (they were both
sparks), averted a collision. According to media reports, the trains
had reached about 15mph, but ended stopping about 15 metres apart.

Can signallers on the various Australian electric systems cut power to
trains like that, on the basis of a split second decision?

James



Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/