Speed limit when approaching Chalk Farm souhtbound
Request ID: FOI-3815-2324 Date published: 22 February 2024
You asked
Follow-up to FOI-3504-2324: Thanks for your 19/1/24 reply.
Your explanation that there were software changes that meant trains could no longer safely enter the station at the previous speeds begs the question,
“Was it an unintended consequence of the software change that trains would have to enter the platform at 10mph or was it known when the change was initially planned that the price to pay would be the 10mph limit before entering the platform?”
Secondly we request the notices sent to trains drivers explaining the change to the speed entering Camden Town southbound & any briefing notes or other information given to the drivers’ union representatives about the issue including any comment the union made about effect on total running time.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3815-2324
Thank you for your further request of 30th January 2024 asking for information about the speed limit when approaching Chalk Farm station southbound.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
Specifically you asked the following, further to case reference FOI-3504-2324:
“Thanks for your 19/1/24 reply. Your explanation that there were software changes that meant trains could no longer safely enter the station at the previous speeds begs the question,
“Was it an unintended consequence of the software change that trains would have to enter the platform at 10mph or was it known when the change was initially planned that the price to pay would be the 10mph limit before entering the platform?”
Secondly we request the notices sent to trains drivers explaining the change to the speed entering Camden Town southbound & any briefing notes or other information given to the drivers’ union representatives about the issue including any comment the union made about effect on total running time.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require.
In answer to your first question, yes, this was an unintended consequence of the software change. In answer to the second question, all Union Representatives are kept informed of any Temporary Speed Restrictions (TSR) on a regular basis. The union has not made any comment on this change, presumably because the effect on running time is negligible (as advised in our original response). Attached is an example email sent to the union representatives regarding TSRs. Note that some names and direct contact details have been redacted under section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act, the exemption that protects against the unfair release of personal data. Note that we do not necessarily send out all TSRs directly to Train Operators as there are TSRs coming in and out on a daily basis. The long terms TSRs are given to the representatives, Train Managers and the Train Operations Managers. This particular TSR was not sent out on a circular to train drivers.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
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,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
