Overspeeds in weather-related Blanket Emergency Speed Restrictions on Western and Wales routes, 18 and 19 July 2022

From: Rail Accident Investigation Branch

During 18 and 19 July 2022, a number of trains were involved in incidents relating to the Blanket Emergency Speed Restrictions (BESRs) which had been imposed due to the extremely hot weather.

RAIB has identified that two of these incidents led to overspeeding and took place on the Western Route during 18 July. A further two incidents involving overspeeding and two incidents where drivers had not clearly understood BESRs occurred on the Wales route on 19 July.

We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

The safety digest will be made available on our website in the next few weeks.