Media centre

Thursday 10 Jun 2004

NO EVIDENCE THAT “TRAINS ARE TOO HEAVY”

Region & Route:

| Southern

In response to an inaccurate article in today’s Brighton ‘Argus’ Network Rail states: “377 Electrostars have been on the Sussex railway network for the past 12 months.  As is routine with any new rolling stock, we have been monitoring our track to see if their introduction has caused any changes.  The new trains have NOT had an impact on the track in any way.  Visual and ultrasonic tests have been carried out on varying sections of the track and findings show NO change. Network Rail is committed to running a financially efficient and safe railway and any money ‘put-aside’ for future maintenance work is prudent. The new 377s may be slightly heavier due to up-to-date technology features including air conditioning, but are lighter than other trains that travel on the Sussex network including freight and engineering trains.  Any comparison to the Hatfield tragedy and rolling contact fatigue is unfounded.  Network Rail is investing millions of pounds every year into improving its assets and ensuring that the railway is safe and well performing.”