Circular No. 603/2006 File Ref: H&S/G/62
24 November 2006

TO: ALL BRANCHES, REPS AND H&S REPS, SWT, SET AND SOUTHERN

Fellow Members,

WHEEL SLIP PROBLEMS

The correspondence from the South Eastern Company Council before the Executive Committee explains that after lengthy discussions they are still not satisfied that matters have been resolved in relation to the unit wheel slip problems and are concerned that more emphasis is placed on protecting the wheel-sets than the brake demand.

The South West Trains Company Council accept that every effort has been made by the Company and Network Rail have made every effort to reduce the amount of low rail adhesion problems they have failed to provide suitable evidence that the operational effectiveness of the WSP equipment, does not compromise the overall braking capability of the units.

The Southern Company Council explain that a new driving policy has been agreed for the leaf fall period. The company have complied with all the Goff and RAIB recommendations. Agreement has been reached for a representative to be released on daily basis to check the sand boxes.

The District Organiser in his report he explains that he believes the WSP is there to protect the integrity of the wheel sets and we should consider that in extreme low adhesion conditions, a blanket speed restriction on units with the Knorr-Bremse EP2002 WSP device.

The Executive Committee having fully debated the matter were of the view that we recognise the work that has been done to resolve the problem, however we will take the appropriate action should these measures prove inadequate and the following resolution was adopted;

1087/435 “That the correspondence be noted and this EC notes the remedial work undertaken on the relevant units and to driver braking techniques.

Further, that the General Secretary be instructed to advise the relevant Train Operators that should the work undertaken prove unsuccessful we will act to immediately to protect our members and the public on a national basis.

Further, that the General Secretary be instructed to raise our concerns on WSP devices with the RSSB as matter of urgency.

All branches and reps, South West Trains be advised.
All branches and reps, South Eastern Trains be advised.
All branches and reps, Southern Trains be advised.”

You will be informed of any progress with this matter.

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of your members

Yours fraternally
Keith Norman
General Secretary