Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether he will take steps to ensure that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's investigation into the incident outside of Lewisham station on the 2 March 2018 will also investigate the incident which took place on the 5 April 2018 outside Lewisham station.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is aware of the electrical failure near Lewisham and St Johns stations on 5 April 2018 that led to passengers being trapped on a stranded train for more than three hours until they could be transferred to another train.
This event is outside the RAIB’s normal scope as accident investigators, but the RAIB is confident that its ongoing investigation into the stranding of numerous trains at Lewisham on 2 March will identify learning that is generally applicable to managing the stranding of trains at this location, and more generally.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what the timetable is for the publication of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch's investigation into the stranding of trains at Lewisham on the 2 March 2018.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) announced on 13 March that it will conduct a full investigation into the events following the stranding of trains in freezing weather, near Lewisham, on 2 March 2018.
A full investigation, including consultation of interested parties, is normally completed within 12 months. RAIB reports published in 2017 were on average published 9.8 months after an event. Each investigation will vary, depending on its complexity. In all cases, a full and public investigation report is published, including safety recommendations.
If safety issues that require immediate action are identified during an investigation, the RAIB will publish Urgent Safety Advice without delay.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether (a) Southeastern Rail and (b) Network Rail have written to his Department on the matter of passengers being held on a train for over four hours outside Lewisham station on 2 March 2018; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
Southeastern made the Department aware of the incident and Officials have discussed the impact it had on passengers. Southeastern are appointing an independent investigator to lead a full review of the incident to identify lessons learnt. This will be shared with my Department.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what information his Department holds on when the need to evacuate passengers from Southeastern Rail trains near Lewisham station on 2 March 2018 was (a) first discussed and (b) taken; who took the decision to evacuate the trains; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
Southeastern made the Department aware of the incident and subsequently the impact it had on passengers. Southeastern are appointing an independent investigator to lead a full review of the incident to identify lessons learnt which will include the management of incidents when trains become stranded between stations.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with (a) Network Rail and (b) Southeastern Rail on compensation for passengers left on trains outside Lewisham Station for over four hours; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
Southeastern have announced that they will be doubling Delay Repay payments for all passengers delayed for 30 minutes or longer from Tuesday 27 February to Friday 2 March. For passengers stranded for 2 hours or more on trains on Friday 2 March, Southeastern will be providing compensation of £100 or double Delay Repay – whichever is greater.
Asked by: Clive Efford (Labour - Eltham)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what (a) procedures and (b) regulations his Department has put in place to ensure the (i) welfare and (ii) safety of passengers held on trains for long periods of time; whether those procedures and regulations were adhered to by (A) Network Rail and (B) Southeastern Rail on 2 March 2018 in respect of passengers held on trains for over four hours outside Lewisham Station; and if he will make a statement.
Answered by Lord Johnson of Marylebone
Southeastern are appointing an independent investigator to lead a full review of the incident which will establish if correct procedures and regulations have been adhered to. This will be shared with my Department.