Click here to listen to the latest rail news on Tuesday, 16th March 2021
The latest rail news on Tuesday, 16th March 2021
Network Rail has completed 23-days of intensive works in the Clacton-on-Sea area to replace the Victorian signalling system with a modern, computer-based system.
The new system will control the movement of trains more effectively and provide better live passenger information. This has replaced a system that used mechanical pullies and levers to change signals and track points, to allow trains to switch between tracks.
Clacton signal box is due to be removed at the end of April as the new system is controlled from a powered signal box at Colchester.
Network Rail and British Transport Police are urging parents to talk to their teenagers about rail safety and the devasting potential impact of trespass ahead of the Easter school holiday and the easing of lockdown restrictions.
The calls come as newly released data reveals there was a surge in reckless behaviour on the rail network when the nation emerged from the lockdown last summer, which continued right through to the end of year.
Alarmingly the numbers increased most sharply in the under 18s age group, with a 40% increase in the number of incidents recorded between July and December 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.
November 2020 was the worst November on record for trespass incidents, and saw a staggering 75% increase in youth incidents on the previous year.
Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the creation of a second HQ in Birmingham and a northern hub in Leeds, as part of a plan to create 650 roles in the cities.
It is the latest step in the government’s drive to move 22,000 Civil Service roles from London to communities across the UK by 2030.
Finally, RBD is teaming up with the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children.
Women’s Aid is our new Charity of the Year, in which we will raise awareness and funds for their vital work.
Our partnership comes as the charity comes under huge pressure to support an increasing number of women and children supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Photo credit: Network Rail
