On 9 Sep, 14:12, "Paul Scott" wrote:
"Roy Badami" wrote in message

...

On 09/09/10 13:34, Paul wrote:
Just saw this on BBC News

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-11242084

It is not clear from the report what the problem was, either human
error or mechanical failure. Interesting that it happened the morning
after the strike, although that may have nothing whatsoever to do with
it.
From the limited information in the article, it sounds like a signaller
set the wrong route and the interlocks correctly prevented any conflicting
movements. *Doesn't sound like a safety issue to me.

Not according to The Standard's version, FWIW:

"There is no suggestion that the train driver involved - who behaved "by the
book" - nor the signalman in charge of that section of track were to blame
in any way."

"A fault has been found with the signalling equipment controlling the
points. Investigators were able to recreate the fault while the line was
shut down yesterday. The siding where the train changed direction had not
been used since Monday and was out of action during Tuesday's 24-hour
strike. It was the first train to use it after services started up again."

Paul S

But maybe the fault that put the train there still didn't cause a
disaster due to the track being occupied?

I mean, if the train was crossing the track rather than joining it
(which it would have done), the train coming the other way would still
have to be held.

How the "wrong line" train would be signalled or tripped is another
matter I suppose.

As far as I know there are no "sidings" at Plaistow, but there is a
bay platform on the Eastbound side, requiring departing trains to
cross the eastbound track on the flat.