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Train users at daily risk as rail bosses 'dispute flaw'
Danny Brierley23.10.08
RAIL passengers are being put at risk of catastrophic derailments similar to the Potters Bar disaster, secret data from safety inspectors has revealed.
Network Rail, which oversees Britain's rail infrastructure, was ordered by the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to correct a design flaw four months ago but thousands of trains continue to pass over sections of faulty track every day.
The "improvement notice" remained secret because Network Rail has refused to accept the findings and lodged an appeal.
Inspectors uncovered the disputed flaw while investigating a crash at Grayrigg, Cumbria, where a Virgin Pendolino train derailed at 96mph in February last year, killing an 84-year-old woman and injuring more than 80.
It is thought that several bolts at a set of points had fallen off or were missing. The ORR blamed a design fault in a crucial junction, similar to one found in 13,000 other points sets.
Eric Martlew, chairman of the cross-party Rail Group, said it was "amazing" that the matter had not been made public until now.
