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Leigh On Sea News: Still Not Working – ELECTRIC trains on Southend Pier remain out of passenger service almost two years after an incident involving a buffer stop, with the city council continuing to work with rail safety authorities.
Still Not Working - ELECTRIC trains on Southend Pier remain out of passenger service almost two years after an incident involving a buffer stop, with the city council continuing to work with rail safety authorities.
ELECTRIC trains on Southend Pier remain out of passenger service almost two years after an incident involving a buffer stop, with the city council continuing to work with rail safety authorities.
The incident took place on October 6, 2024, and Southend City Council formally notified the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) two days later.
The council commissioned an independent forensic engineering investigation, while the ORR carried out its own enquiries and site visits during the investigation process.
Since November 2024, the council has maintained that the electric trains will not return to passenger service until it is safe to do so.
Meanwhile, separate engineering inspections and recommissioning work have been carried out on the electric train Sir David Amess, which was not involved in the incident.
The council said no electric train will return to passenger service until the necessary engineering, operational and safety measures have been completed and the arrangements for reintroduction have been satisfied.
Coun Matt Dent, cabinet member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: “It is enormously frustrating that we are coming up to two years and the electric trains are still not working.
“But it is right that the council’s approach throughout has been to follow the evidence, work with independent engineering specialists and engage openly with the ORR.
“The position remains unchanged: the electric trains will only return to service once the necessary work has been completed and it is safe to do so.
“Suggestions that the council misled members about ORR involvement are simply incorrect. ORR was formally notified in October 2024 and the council has kept engaged with them throughout the process, including through updates, site visits and discussing the arrangements for any return to service.”
Picture: Electric trains are painted in ‘heritage’ green. Pic SCC
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