SPADs (passing red lights) have trebled on the London Underground

Not SPUDs, SPADs - Signal Passed at Danger

Well it's certainly been a day for London Underground news today. I learnt this afternoon that the number of Signals Passed at Danger have trebled on the Tube.

The BBC reported today that "In 1995 there were 296 signals passed at danger (Spads) but in 2004 it rose to 969, which the London Assembly's Lib Dems says points to "complacency"." It's interesting that I'm now hearing that this increase is being spun as better records being kept of SPADs not that there are actually more SPAD's.

Anyway, Lib Dem Transport Secretary, Geoff Pope said: "The failure to tackle the spiralling number of Spads smacks of a history of deep malaise and complacency over many years from LU. Serious questions must be asked into how, over years, LU has failed to deal with the ever-increasing number of Spads.

"While the Tube does have comprehensive safety systems, passengers will worry that a technical failure might lead to a collision and loss of life."

You'll be pleased to hear that London Underground are not too worried that it will lead to possible loss of life as there is something in place to stop over-running trains. A spokesman said: "Safety is our top priority. The Tube is equipped with Automatic Train Protection (ATP) so if a train does inadvertently pass a signal at danger it will be brought to an immediate halt. Driver training is kept under constant review and we work closely with the infrastructure companies, Tube Lines and Metronet, to improve safety and keep the Underground as safe as possible"

Thanks. I feel so much more reassured now specially as I know that Tube Lines are taking good care of the Northern Line after the problems we had with drivers refusing to drive unsafe trains earlier this month.



Loving this cartoon and particularly the comment above about the Northern Line and the PPP debacle from the week's Private Eye.

London Underground; Tube Posted by annie mole Monday, October 31, 2005 Permalink COMMENT HERE
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