Elizabeth Line director forced to apologise after train caught going DOUBLE speed limit
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A rail safety investigator has confirmed an Elizabeth Line train was travelling at almost twice the speed limit.
The service from Heathrow to Shenfield service passed a signal near Manor Park at 45mph instead of the recommended 25mph.
According to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB), there was an "incorrectly placed, inconspicuous and dirty" speed limit sign.
The train jolted causing some passengers to lose their footing during the incident on September 24, 2024.
The train was travelling twice the recommended speed
Getty
The report said the driver "did not believe that this [jolt] was severe enough to report".
Director of the Elizabeth line Howard Smith said: "We apologise to customers who were on board the train during this rare incident."
According to the RAIB, a member of staff on board reported the overspeed in east London which suggested offering better refresher training for drivers on "infrequently used routes to avoid knowledge fade."
Smith confirmed they had made changes to their procedures in line with the RAIB's recommendations.
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The sign was covered in dirt
RAIB
The report added: "It should have been a larger sign with a left-hand direction arrow, positioned on the approach to the bridge before the points.
"At the time of the incident, the sign was positioned under the bridge, and partially obscured by lineside equipment, which made it difficult to see.
"It was also covered in dirt, further reducing its conspicuity and legibility."
Smith added: "Our operator, MTREL, immediately informed the Office of Rail and Road and the RAIB. Safety is our top priority and MTREL have already made changes to their procedures in line with the RAIB's recommendations."
The Elizabeth Line continues to prove popular
Getty
Three years after its opening, the Elizabeth Line features in three of the most used railway stations in London, with the Office of Rail and Road said that the "Elizabeth line continues to drive massive increases in station usage".
The busiest station, with 94.5 million entries and exits over 2024, was Liverpool Street.
Second on the list was Paddington with 66.9 million entries and exits over the year. In third place was Tottenham Court Road (64.2m).
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