New trains 'too heavy for tracks'

New trains with electric doors are heavier than old slam-door trains

New trains which have been introduced on several southern England routes have experienced track problems and rail delays because of their heavier weight.

The trains have been brought in by Southern, South West Trains, and Southeastern companies.

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said the heavier trains were "causing a different sort of wear to the track".

Network Rail has blamed more track faults in part on "heavier trains with stiffer suspension".

Too many trains are being delayed and cancelled because of infrastructure problems that are the responsibility of NR Bill Emery, Office of Rail Regulation chief executive

The trains have been brought in over the past two years.

A spokesperson from Network Rail said: "As part of the programme to allow new trains on the railway south of the Thames, Network Rail invested £440m on the Southern Power Upgrade scheme.

"The new trains are heavier and have stiffer suspensions than their predecessors so Network Rail - along with its stakeholders - is working to deliver a maintenance regime that is appropriate to the conditions."

He said Network Rail's new role in participating in the design of future trains would ensure that new trains would be even better designed, safer and lighter.

Although the number of temporary speed restrictions due to the condition of the track had fallen by the period prior to June this year, there was no decrease in South East England.

'Recipe for confusion'

An ORR spokesperson said: "Train companies will have to work out a different maintenance regime. The heavier trains are causing a different sort of wear to the track."

In its report, the ORR said it was concerned that the delays attributed to Network Rail had increased and that it was especially concerned about one route in particular.

ORR chief executive Bill Emery said: "We are seriously concerned about Great Western and we have met with Network Rail to make sure they are fully aware of our concerns.

He said too many trains are being delayed and cancelled because of infrastructure problems.

Gerry Doherty, of the TSSA rail union, said: "This could only happen in Britain where we have such a fragmented rail network.

"Network Rail gets the blame for delays caused by trains that are owned by the banks and leased to the private rail operating companies. It is a recipe for confusion."

When asked if the problem could have been foreseen, Michael Lee, of the ORR, said: "It was predictable only up to a point. I don't think you could call this a mistake."