TfL Ref: FOI-1784-2425

Thank you for your request which we received on 31 August 2024, asking for information about the DLR.

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You asked:

1. In detail, what is the reason for these new temporary speed restrictions.

Following a review of our signalling system we identified a pre-existing technical issue, which meant there were a number of places where there was not enough margin between maximum recommended speed and the speed of the trains. For the continued safe operation of the network, we decided to reduce the speed at these locations. The DLR continues to be one of the safest light rail networks in the country.

2. How long do end to end journeys on all routes now take compared to normal running.

For each service, we have observed the following impact on end-to-end runtime as a result of the introduction of the temporary speed restrictions (TSRs) on the DLR:

Please note that this is solely based on physical movement time of trains that have not been delayed by the movement of other trains. It does not include the 'dwell' time when trains are stopped in stations. The impact of TSRs may be absorbed by shortening dwell times, but as this will vary significantly by journey, a single figure cannot be given for change in overall end-to-end journey time.

The data is based on observations before and after the implementation of TSRs. Some inferences have been made using signalling data or comparable routes where no observation could be made.

3. Why has there been no communication to passengers (or seemingly the staff on the trains) about the increased journey times or the withdrawal of peak Stratford - Lewisham services and the reason behind the changes.

Unfortunately we needed to suspend direct peak services between Stratford and Lewisham with customers now needing to change services to complete their journey, which is expected to add up to 2-3 minutes to journey times on this route. We have now increased peak services between Stratford and Canary Wharf to ensure we have sufficient capacity on this busy section of the network. The speed restrictions introduced across the DLR should only have a minimal impact on journey times for the majority of our customers. We worked quickly to understand how these changes would impact customers but needed to fully understand these ahead of any customer communications. We now have a full suite of customer communications, including posters, PA announcements and dot-matrix messaging on the affected route. We have also briefed our entire frontline team who are available to advise and support customers on their journeys.

4. How long is this expected to last.

The small changes introduced should only have a minimal impact to customer journey times. Further assessment needs to take place before we decide whether any of the changes need to be made permanent. 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. 

Yours sincerely

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London