Marcus' Model Railway Journey

The signaller decided to regulate train 1Y80 so that late-running train 1Y16 would arrive at London King’s Cross ahead of it.

The signaller stated that this was to minimise delay with the build-up of trains at the throat of King’s Cross station.

To achieve this, the signaller planned to route train 1Y80 onto the Up Slow line at Spital Junction and to keep train 1Y16 on the Up Fast line and to stop at platform3.

Train 1Y80 would be signalled to re-join the Up Fast line at Fletton Junction to the south of Peterborough station, behind train 1Y16.

At 10:17:02 hrs, with train 1L06 still occupying the Up Fast line, train 1Y80 was travelling at around 32 mph (51 km/h) and slowing down as it approached and passed P486 signal displaying a single yellow aspect.

Train 1Y80 then occupied track circuit T7726 which inhibited P474 signal from showing a single flashing yellow aspect.

At this time, P474 signal was not visible to the driver of train 1Y80.

Because of the proximity of train 1Y80 to P468 signal, it was prevented from using flashing yellow control, and was approach released from a red aspect.

The position of trains 1P83, 1L06, and 1Y80 at 10:17:02 hrs.

At 10:17:08 hrs, P436 signal changed to display a yellow aspect as seven seconds earlier the signaller had set the route from this signal along the Up Slow line to the signal protecting Fletton Junction.

At 10:17:36 hrs, four seconds after train 1L06 had moved clear of the Up Fast line, the signaller set the route for train 1Y80 beyond P468 signal onto the Up Slow line to P436 signal at the end of platform 1.

At 10:18:05 hrs, train 1Y80 passed over the AWS magnet for the PSWI for the junction travelling at around 28 mph (45 km/h).

The driver acknowledged the AWS warning, and the train reached the PSWI sign 15 seconds later.

The position of trains 1L06 and 1Y80 at 10:18:05 hrs.

At 10:18:58 hrs, train 1Y80 reached track circuit T7724, having just passed P474 signal previously displaying a single yellow aspect.

This started the 10-second timer which, once expired, would allow the release of P468 signal.

By this time P468 signal, which was showing a red aspect, was visible to the driver of train 1Y80.

The position of trains 1L06 and 1Y80 at 10:18:58 hrs with 1Y80 having just passed P474signal.

At 10:19:09 hrs, the JI for the Up Slow line to platform 1 illuminated, followed within a second by the main aspect of P468 signal changing from red to green.

The train was travelling at around 25 mph (40 km/h) and was approximately 790 metres from the signal when the aspect changed.

Three seconds later and with the train approximately 760 metres from P468 signal, the driver applied full traction power to accelerate the train.

The train passed P468 signal travelling at around 64 mph (103 km/h) and was still accelerating.

The position of train 1Y80 at 10:19:09 hrs.

At 10:20:08 hrs, the train was approximately 160 metres from 1243 points and had reached around 77 mph (123 km/h).

The driver stated that they saw the platform banner repeater signal at the north end of platform 3 was ‘on’, indicating that the route for the Up Fast line through platform 3 was not set.

They reacted by applying a full service brake.

The position of train 1Y80 at 10:20:08 hrs.

At 10:20:11 hrs, the train reached 1243 points at the junction while it was still travelling at around 76 mph (122 km/h).

The driver made an emergency brake application around nine seconds later, after the train had passed over all of the points and while it was travelling at around 60 mph(97 km/h).

The position of train 1Y80 at 10:20:11 hrs.

At 10:20:40 hrs, the train stopped just before reaching P436 signal at the south end of platform 1.

The late running train 1Y16 arrived at platform 3 around 2 minutes later.

The position of trains 1Y80 and 1Y16 at 10:20:40 hrs.

Events following the incident

Once train 1Y80 had stopped, the driver called the signaller to report that they had passed through the junction at excessive speed and requested that P436 signal ahead of the train was replaced to show a stop aspect.

The driver requested some time to compose themselves as they were shaken by the event.

The driver did not realise at this stage that they had not seen the junction indicator on P468 signal and was confused about what had happened.

The customer ambassadors checked the condition of the passengers, attending to those who had minor cuts and bruises.

Details were taken from those passengers who reported injuries.

The off-duty driver who was travelling as a passenger came to assist and reassure the driver.

At the request of their control room, both drivers conducted a visual check of the train from platform 1 looking for damage and none was seen.

During this time, there was consideration of whether to detrain passengers at Peterborough station, but once the suitability of the off-duty driver to continue the journey was confirmed, all passengers remained on the train as the decision had been made by Trans Pennine Express (TPE) control staff (who act as Lumo’s control) to take the service forward to London King’s Cross station.

The train departed from Peterborough station at 11:45 hrs, with the off-duty driver driving the train.

The customer ambassadors were requested to listen for any unusual noise and vibration once the journey commenced.

Passengers and train crew were met by the British Transport Police and station management staff at London King’s Cross station who took statements from some passengers and assisted with passenger care.

British Transport Police breathalysed the driver who was also screened for drugs in line with the relevant rail industry post-incident standard.

Both tests returned clear results.

The train was later taken to Bounds Green depot for a full examination and no relevant damage was found.

Network Rail checked the condition of the points at the junction following the incident and reported that they had not sustained any damage.

Analysis

Identification of the immediate cause

Train 1Y80 passed over a junction at excessive speed because the driver had controlled the speed appropriately for the through route rather than the slower, diverging route.

The actions of the driver

The driver did not react appropriately to the junction indicator at P468signal.

The driver’s awareness of the signal conditions

The driver’s awareness of the signal conditions that could be presented at this junction was not sufficient to overcome their expectation that the train was to be routed on the Up Fast line.

The driver’s training

The driver’s training did not provide them with sufficient understanding of the conditions that could be expected at this signal. This is a probable causal factor.

The signalling layout and configuration at Spital Junction

The signalling layout and configuration at this location did not, and nor was it required to, prevent the train from accelerating towards the diverging route and reaching an excessive speed from the distance at which a proceed aspect was given.

Identification of underlying factors

Lumo’s assessment of the safety risks at junctions

Lumo had not assessed the risk associated with trains being unexpectedly routed on to a slower, diverging route at this location, and hence had not adequately mitigated the risk.

Network Rail’s risk assessment of over speeding at certain junctions

Network Rail does not control the risk of over speeding at locations where there is a long distance between the approach controlled protecting signal and the junction itself, once a proceed aspect has been given to drivers.

Factors affecting the severity of consequences

Luggage storage
Half of the passenger injuries originated from the luggage stowed in the overhead luggage racks falling on them.

RAIB’s review of the train’s internal CCTV and the descriptions of the injuries sustained by passengers concluded that half of the injuries were caused by luggage falling from the overhead luggage racks as the train went over the junction.

Luggage falling from the overhead racks during the incident.

Lumo offers less space for passengers to store their luggage in floor-mounted luggage stacks compared to other long-distance operators of the same train type (such as the Great Western Railway (GWR) class 800/0 and London North Eastern Railway (LNER) classes 800/1 and 800/2 units).

Lumo trains have three luggage stacks on a five-car train, whereas there are eight luggage stacks on a five-car LNER/GWR train.

In common with LNER/GWR, Lumo trains also have two storage areas for either one or two bicycles or larger luggage.

Lumo advised RAIB that it had repurposed the two bicycle storage areas in its trains to be bulk luggage storage areas by December 2021.

All fleets of Hitachi AT300 trains are fitted with the same design of overhead luggage racks above passenger seats.

Luggage storage stacks and storage areas on Lumo’s trains.

Actions reported as already taken or in progress relevant to this report

Lumo has advised RAIB that since the incident it has:

a. retrained and reassessed the driver, who is now back on duty

b. enhanced its route learning briefing document having identified and ranked other similar locations which it considers its drivers should be aware of

c. briefed all of its drivers on this incident and the specific risks that it highlighted

d. reviewed what its driver instructors brief to drivers

e. modified its post-incident procedures to include managing overspeed incidents

f. progressed its revised luggage handling activities which include enhanced passenger information on its trains, removal of its on-board bike racking to allow luggage storage and fitting additional luggage stacks.

APPENDIX

10th July 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

Denbigh fflecsi service expands to rural areas​

Denbigh’s fflecsi service is being expanded, allowing more communities across Denbighshire to benefit from demand responsive transport, Transport for Wales (TfW) and Denbighshire County Council have confirmed.

Working in partnership, fflecsi will now operate in an area to the south west of Denbigh, as well as to the north west and north east of the town.

Launching on Monday 17 July, the new zones will cover largely rural areas, providing improved transport connections for communities to local shops, health centres, places of work and other key destinations.

In addition, the vehicle used in the rural area will be a fully accessible, electric four passenger seat vehicle.

The new rural area will operate between Monday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm with service hours in the existing Denbigh zone remaining unchanged, to include Saturdays.

Denbigh will see its existing fflecsi area expended to cover Castle Park and the Acar y Forwyn areas in town.

Fflecsi is a demand responsive bus service which does not have a fixed route and timetable but an operating zone which enables passengers to be picked up and dropped off anywhere within that fflecsi zone.

Rather than passengers waiting at a bus stop for a bus to turn up, they can book a journey in advance using the fflecsi app, or by calling 0300 234 0300.

Passengers are informed where to catch the bus and at what time it will be arriving.

The pick-up point will be as near as possible to the location of the passenger.

Lee Robinson, Development of Mid, North and Rural Wales Director at TfW, said: “The expansion of the fflecsi service to rural areas near Denbigh is another important milestone for demand responsive transport in this part of Wales.

“We know that fflecsi is a highly valued service in Denbigh town centre and its expansion will provide rural communities with an accessible and affordable transport alternative to help support everyday journeys and make onward travel connections.

“Fflecsi is a vital part of our ambitions to create a multimodal transport network that people in Wales can be proud of and we’re pleased to be working alongside Denbighshire County Council to deliver this service.”

Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Environment & Transport, Cllr. Barry Mellor, said, “Fflecsi serving rural Denbigh improves transport opportunities for Denbigh’s villages. It replaces a number of irregular services, greatly extending the scope of public transport for the Denbighshire communities of Nantglyn, Prion, Peniel, Saron, Tremeirchion and Rhuallt.

“Thanks to funding from Conwy County Borough Council, the service will also be available for Llannefydd and Groes.”

10th July 2023

Driver under influence of drugs jailed for derailing London Overground train​

Last Friday, 7th July, the driver of a London Overground train that derailed after he fell asleep while driving was sentenced to sixteen weeks in prison.

After an investigation by British Transport Police and a successful prosecution, at Inner London Crown Court, Erkan Mehmet, aged 44 of Middle Street in Waltham Abbey, pleaded guilty to endangering the safety of the railway.

The derailment occurred on 12th October 2021 whilst Mehmet was driving a London Overground train to Enfield Town.

As the train entered platform two at Enfield Town station, it failed to stop and crashed into the buffers resulting in derailment of the front carriage.

Pictures from the scene show that the carriage came completely off the tracks and was wedged at an angle about five feet in the air.

On board the train at the time were approximately 50 passengers, a small number of whom received minor injuries and shock.

As is normal practice, Mehmet was breathalysed at the scene and gave a negative reading.

However, a urine sample was also taken at the same time that showed the presence of cocaine in his system with a reading of 1,250 ng/mL.

For the cocaine to be revealed by the urine test, it is probable that it entered Mehmet's system in the 24-hour period before the incident.

Following the positive results of the urine test, BTP officers arrested Mehmet on 26 October and took him into police custody for questioning.

Mehmet claimed in his interview with detectives that he had never taken drugs in his life and had fallen asleep while driving after only having a couple of hours of sleep the night before.

Detective Constable Gemma Littlewood said: “Train drivers are entrusted with the safety of every passenger onboard so it is frankly unthinkable that Mehmet turned up to work in a condition which left him falling asleep at the wheel, putting them all in significant danger. It is only through luck that nobody was seriously injured or worse, killed, as a result of his actions that day.

“Investigators have worked closely with Arriva Rail London, who fully supported the investigation, to ensure he has been brought before the courts to face justice and while incidents like this are rare, we will continue to relentlessly investigate anyone suspected of putting passengers in danger and hold them to account.”

Paul Hutchings, managing director at Arriva Rail London, said: “We take the safety and security of our customers and colleagues incredibly seriously. We have a zero-tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol, which exceeds industry standards, and the driver involved was immediately suspended following the incident and subsequently dismissed after returning a positive test result.”

10th July 2023

Hitachi wins £240m contract to maintain TransPennine Express Nova 1 trains​

Hitachi Rail will continue to maintain the fleet of TransPennine Express 19 ‘Nova 1' intercity trains that it built, after winning an eight-year contract.

TransPennine Trains Limited and Angel Trains awarded Hitachi Rail the contract to continue maintenance of the nineteen intercity Class 802 trains.

Hitachi built the ‘Nova 1' fleet, which has proved successful since being introduced in 2019, hauling trains over 7.5 million miles.

The trains each provide an extra 161 seats on TransPennine Express journeys between Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh.

The Nova 1 fleet is currently seventy per cent more reliable than the industry average.

The contract is worth £240 million, and will help to keep over 550 jobs in depots in the North of England and Scotland.

It will also contribute significantly to Hitachi Rail's UK maintenance business, which adds an estimated £460 million gross value to the UK economy.

Jim Brewin, Chief Director UK and Ireland at Hitachi Rail said: “This contract is recognition of Hitachi Rail's incredible maintenance team, and positive collaboration between TransPennine Express, Angel Trains and Hitachi Rail.

“We will continue to invest and work tirelessly so the Nova 1 fleet goes from strength to strength.”

Paul Staples, Fleet, Safety and Service Delivery Director for TransPennine Express, said: “We have had a long and productive relationship with Hitachi and we are delighted to continue working together with the award of this eight-year contract extension. We rely on Hitachi as a strategic partner to help us put customers at the heart of everything that we do and ensure that our Nova 1 trains offer the best journey experience when people choose to travel with us.”

10th July 2023

New Rolling Stock & Figures Arrived for ETHNON RAIL

Well a parcel arrived by courier from Portchester.

The vender sent me a hand written note saying that despite there were supposed to be stock of 'Station Passengers Standing', he couldn't find any...........

So he sent me some 'Businessmen' instead.

Parcel from Portchester!

Wicor Models of Portchester

MK3 Coaches R4896 & R4895B

Bachmann Scenecraft figures

10th July 2023

Inside The Train Shed

Today I carried on painting the baseboards, finishing them at last.

Temperature inside the shed was a cooler 22°C, it was great listening to the heavy rain, again, whilst working in the shed.

At start of of work today.

Here's the situation at cease work.

Completed painting the baseboards, don't think I'll bother with a second coat.

11th July 2023

Steam locomotive 30541 goes to Devon for “priority overhaul”​

Bluebell Railway has sent its Q class 541 to Leaky Finders in Devon for a priority overhaul

The work became necessary after the Railway withdrew the locomotive from service in December last year, having found that it needed repairs to its boiler, attention to its tyres and a new tender tank.

541 made the trip from Sussex to Devon last Thursday (6 July), funded by the Bluebell Railway Trust and its owner, the Maunsell Locomotive Society, which has a long-term agreement for Bluebell to operate the loco.

The Q class was the last locomotive designed by R.E.L Maunsell, with twenty built at Eastleigh works in 1939.

4F No. 30541

In 1974, 541 was rescued from Barry Scrapyard – the 54th loco to depart from there – and underwent some restoration work at Ashchurch in Gloucestershire.

Four years later, its owning group merged with the Maunsell Locomotive Society, and 541 moved to the Bluebell Railway, where its restoration was completed and it ran in service between 1983 and 1992.

It then required a major overhaul, before re-entered operating service in 2015.

In its two periods of service at the Bluebell Railway it has covered over seventy thousand miles in traffic, earning a reputation for being strong, reliable and economical loco.

When it visited the Great Central Railway, a loco crew member described it as being like “a Midland 4F on steroids”.

In early 2022, 541 underwent a full piston and valve examination and repair, and its lower half is reported to be in good condition, apart from the attention needed to the tyres.

The tender will remain at the Bluebell Railway to be overhauled, with the tender tank replaced.

The loco's operator and owner are asking for donations towards its overhaul.

Online payments to the appeal can be made by clicking the DONATE button on the Bluebell website and following the online payment instructions.

Select Q Class 541 Overhaul in the drop-down box.

Maunsell Locomotive Society Chairman, Ben Coughlan, said, “The Maunsell Locomotive Society is very pleased that agreement has been reached for the Bluebell Railway Trust to fund the overhaul of this popular and useful locomotive. 541 is a unique survivor of the Q class, Maunsell's essay in designing a simple to maintain, medium power, go anywhere loco”.

Bluebell Railway Trust Chairman, Vernon Blackburn, said, “The Trust is pleased to be able to support the overhaul of 541, which will help provide Bluebell with an economical, medium-sized loco, in a short timescale”.

11th July 2023

Stadler awarded contract for new regional trains around Mount Vesuvius​

A new contract has been awarded to Stadler to supply new electric multiple units for the 950 mm narrow-gauge Circumvesuviana railway network, which operates the regional transport around Mount Vesuvius from Naples to Sorrento.

Stadler was awarded the contract by Ente Autonomo Volturno (EAV ), the operator of Circumvesuviana and is a framework agreement for the manufacture and supply of up to 60 vehicles, which is being financed by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Piano Nazionale di Ripresa e Resilienza, PNRR).

Six of the trains are to be fitted with overhead line monitoring and analytics systems.

Under the first tranche, EAV has ordered 16 trains and their maintenance for five years, with delivery scheduled to be completed by June 2026.

The new trains are similar to 40 that were ordered under a framework agreement signed in 2021.

They consist of three cars with a total length of about 40 metres, with 90 seats and a total capacity of 396 passengers.

They have lightweight aluminium bodyshells that will contribute to a reduction in energy consumption.

The vehicles are fully accessible with stepless access through five doors on each side and have designated spaces for wheelchairs, prams, and bicycles near the doors, and a wide, barrier-free corridor.

They have a bright and modern interior with longitudinal seats, full CCTV coverage, and clear and visible warning displays for passengers' security.

Stadler will also supply systems for improving maintenance operations, including a temperature analysis system for wheel bearings and a system to monitor specific critical components of the bogie, contributing to improved overall passenger comfort.

Iñigo Parra, CEO of Stadler Valencia, commented: “We are very proud that EAV has once again entrusted Stadler with the supply of the new trains. Our vehicles enhance the public transport offer of one of the most emblematic railway networks in Italy, improving the travel experience for residents and tourists alike.”

Stadler is strengthening its position in Italy across all segments of rail transport. Recent orders include locomotives for Trenitalia and trams for Milan.

11th July 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

TfW Pathways Programme success​

‘Building Futures – On the Right Track’ the Transport for Wales (TfW) rehabilitation programme has been hailed a success after delivering full-time employment for men and women leaving the criminal justice system.

Launched in September 2021, the programme pilot initially recruited nine men from HMP Prescoed and provided them with opportunities to build their skill base and work on key infrastructure projects, while serving their custodial sentence.

The programme later increased to 11 men.

Of the 11 recruits, TfW has supported eight individuals to remain out of the justice system.

Six have now finished their sentences and have been offered full-time employment with TfW and their partners.

With TfW's support, two have gone on to secure permanent roles in other locations.

The ‘Craidd Alliance’ is made up of TfW, Amey Infrastructure Wales, Alun Griffiths Contractors, Balfour Beatty Rail and Siemens Mobility and they are working with His Majesties Prison and Probation Service through the Pathways Programme to help provide rehabilitation programmes as they deliver rail transformation in Wales.

Following the success of the men’s Pathway Programme pilot, TfW expanded its Pathways to offer a women’s Pathway Programme, for women serving custodial and non-custodial sentences.

This programme has a different gender informed approach to it, but ultimately has the same objective of reducing reoffending and changing an individual's outlook on life.

TfW has supported two female prison leavers to gain permanent positions at TfW.

TfW is currently expanding its Pathways Programme and working with more under-represented groups to offer more pathways to employment.

Karl Gilmore, TfW Rail Infrastructure Director, said:  "At TfW, we are closely aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations Act (2015) and are fully committed to equality and diversity.  Building the Pathway Programme was about creating a lasting legacy that helps to reduce reoffending in Wales and to assist communities to prosper. It’s great to see the success this first cohort has had, with six men transitioned into full-time employment with us. I’m hopeful that we can take learnings from the first cohort and apply to futures one, offering other offenders a brighter and more successful future.” 

Ellen Somers, Pathways Employability Manager, said:  “At TfW, across the Craidd and supply chain, we are committed to providing a supportive, transparent and safe working environment for all those on the programme. It’s wonderful to see the visible success stories from our initial pilot and watch the programme continue to grow. On a more personal note, it’s incredible to see individuals quite literally turn their lives around, with their confidence and skills growing day on day."

11th July 2023

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway to recreate famous ‘Holiday Express’ named trains this August​

The heritage railway's resident steam locomotives will haul the special named trains, creating nostalgic memories of summer holidays by train​

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway will be recreating a number of well-known ‘Holiday Express' trains on four Wednesdays this August.

The special trains will be hauled by the railway's resident steam locomotives and will be specially named in order to create a nostalgic look back on summer holidays to the seaside by train whilst travelling through the delightful Cotswold countryside.

The trains and dates are as follows:

‘The Devonian' will run at the GWSR on Wednesday the 2nd of August
‘The Devonian' was a passenger train for London, Midland and Scottish Railways (LMS) the Great Western Railway (GWR) and later British Rail (BR).

The train ran cross country, starting at Bradford and making its way to Paignton and Kingswear in Devon, calling at Leeds, Sheffield, Derby, Birmingham, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol Exeter and Torquay.

The service first began pulling holidaymakers back in 1927 and hauled by LMS Scot, Patriot, Jubilee, Black 5 and Capriotti class with GWR operating using Large Prairies and Castle class locomotives.

The Second World War bought an end to these popular services, however, they returned in 1949 with trains operating until 1975 with service reinstated once again from 1987 to 2002.

‘The Cambrian Coast Express' will run on Wednesday the 9th of August

‘The Cambrian Coast Express' was a passenger train operated by the Great Western Railway (GWR) and later by British Rail (BR).

The special service ran from London Paddington to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli, calling at Shrewsbury via the Cambrian line which runs through mid-Wales and the stunning Welsh coast.

The named train began service in 1927, running on Fridays and Saturdays and in the latter end of the 1950s saw operations increase to a daily except for Sundays.

The train was steam hauled up to 1965 with its last service hauled by Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway's very own No. 7820 Dinmore Manor!

‘The Atlantic Coast Express' will run on Wednesday, the 16th of August

‘The Atlantic Coast Express' was better known as ‘ACE' by both enthusiasts and passengers back in the day and marked the principal express train for Southern Railway (SR) running from London Waterloo to the West Country.

The train began service in 1926, running through to 1964 serving up to nine different destinations in Devon and Cornwall, such as Plymouth, Bude, Ilfracombe and Padstow. In the 1950s, the services were pulled by the iconic Bulleid Pacifics, which saw increased speeds and journey times, which aided reliability and timekeeping for passengers, creating the first ever ‘mile a minute' schedule.

‘The Cornishman' will run on Wednesday the 30th of August.

‘The Cornishman' was a passenger train for the Great Western Railway (GWR) and ran from London Paddington to Penzance in Cornwall.

The named train first ran way back into the summer of 1890 and saw service until 1936.

‘The Cornishman' saw a return to British Rail's Western Region as the region's first named train in 1952 with the service operating from Wolverhampton and in the early 1970s saw start locations move further north, including Bradford and Leeds.

To find out more about the ‘Holiday Express' trains or to take advantage of a 5% discount for tickets booked online, please click here.

12th July 2023


TRANSPORT FOR WALES

TfW receives Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award​

Transport for Wales (TfW) is one of nearly 200 organisations which have been recognised by the UK Government for supporting the Armed Forces community, a record high since the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme launched in 2013.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, the highest badge of honour, recognises the positive role that employers play in supporting the Armed Forces community.

Karl Gilmore, Rail Infrastructure Director & Armed Forces Champion at Transport for Wales said: “At Transport for Wales we continue to support our Armed Forces Community and are proud to have achieved Gold status of the Employer Recognition Scheme. By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, we acknowledge, understand and support those who have served in the Armed Forces or continue to do so in a Reservist capacity, their families or those who are Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, society and the workplace.

“TfW values a diverse workforce; it makes us stronger, helps us understand our customers better, make better decisions and be more innovative. Everyone’s different and has their own perspective so we’re building a diverse team that mirrors the communities we serve. Through this, we’re determined to be one of Wales' leading inclusive employers and look forward to continuing to support our Armed Forces Community.”

This year, organisations across a range of sectors including transportation, education, finance, and healthcare have been recognised in the awards.

Of the Gold Award winners, 28% are either micro or small sized organisations, while 47% are large organisations with over 500 employees.

This not only demonstrates the importance of the Covenant, but the skills and benefits that ex-service personnel can bring businesses.

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, delivered by Defence Relationship Management has a current total of 641 holders.

Organisations must reapply every five years to retain their Gold Award status.

To win a Gold award from the Ministry of Defence, organisations must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists, and have supportive HR policies in place for reservists, veterans, Cadet Force adult volunteers and the spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

They must also advocate the benefits of supporting those within the Armed Forces community, by encouraging other organisations to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme.

This year, Marks & Spencer Plc, Motorola Solutions UK Ltd, Hilton and Toyota Manufacturing UK are among the household names that have been recognised, alongside many small organisations including the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce.

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• The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) was launched in 2013 by the then Prime Minister David Cameron to recognise employer support for the wider principles of the Armed Forces Covenant and the full spectrum of Defence personnel. This includes the Reserves, service leavers, cadets, spouses and wounded, injured and sick.
• The full list of Employer Recognition Scheme Gold, Silver and Bronze award winners is available here.
• The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise by the nation ensuring that those who serve or who have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. More information about the Armed Forces Covenant and how to get involved is available here.
• Defence Relationship Management (DRM) partners with organisations throughout the UK, helping them understand the value of signing the Armed Forces Covenant and building mutually beneficial partnerships with Defence. It provides support on employing Reservists, veterans, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, and military spouses and improving fairness for the Armed Forces community in the consumer market.

12th July 2023



NetworkRail:

Network Rail and British Transport Police double arrests of cable theft criminals as cost to taxpayer exceeds £1m in last six months​

Region & Route: Wales & Western: Wales & Borders


Stepped up security, drones and forensic marking agents have led to seven arrests since January 2023 as the rail industry cracks down on dangerous, disruptive and costly crime.
The theft of metal, particularly cables, from the railway is a significant issue for the rail industry, which has cost taxpayers £1.1m in Wales and Borders route, since January 2023.

However, Network Rail’s new and improved ways of tackling cable theft is making it easier to identify and catch criminals, seven arrests since January 2023 - double that of previous years with three arrests in 2020 followed by another three in 2021.

Network Rail has adopted new and improved ways of cracking down on cable theft on the railway, including:

• funding British Transport Police officers
• using overt and covert security cameras to alert that people are on the network and to support the police
• incorporating drones to help with increasing patrols
• installing new ways of securing cables
• using forensic marking agents to track thieves
• introducing cables which are harder to steal and easier to identify
• and setting up a dedicated security team.

It’s not just cables, however.

The theft of metal is a big problem for the railway as thieves also target overhead power lines and even metal fences to sell for scrap.

Network Rail is working with the wider industry and scrap metal dealers to prevent stolen cable being sold as part of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013:

• scrap metal dealers must be licensed, and local authorities have the power to refuse unsuitable applicants and revoke licenses
• police have the power by court order to close unlicensed scrap yard
• all sellers of metal must show verifiable ID which dealers must record and retain
• cash trades for scrap metal are illegal without exception and subject to unlimited fines
• a public national register of scrap metal dealers has been created.

This will help make sure the sale of scrap metal is accounted for and all people trading scrap are doing so legitimately.

Britain’s rail network is designed to fail safe, which means that when a cable is cut trains are brought to a standstill.

This protects passengers but can lead to lengthy, frustrating delays while the problem is found and fixed safely.

A large proportion of Network Rail’s funding comes from the Government, so these thefts are, ultimately, costing taxpayers money.

Although the majority of thefts took place in South Wales, Network Rail is unable to provide specific locations due to pending trials, ongoing investigations and security.