Labour would stop driver-only trains

Labour has told the five rail operators involved in strike action that the party would halt any future plans to extend Driver Only Operation, if it wins the next General Election.

Shadow Transport Secretary Andy McDonald said in a letter that guards are “vital” for duties such as helping passengers who require assistance. He said Labour believed the railways should aspire to the safest possible method of train dispatch.

The letter said: “I remain concerned that in the event of a train evacuation, train derailment or incapacitated driver, the absence of a guard to assist could leave passengers at risk. Similarly, anti-social behaviour on trains could increase without the presence of a guard.

“This is acknowledged by those train operators with disabled peoples’ protection policies.

“An incoming Labour government will stop plans for any future rollout of Driver Only Operation across the rail industry.”

The RMT claimed that the industry was being prevented from holding talks about the role of guards by a “centrally imposed blockade by Theresa May and Chris Grayling”. The Department for Transport said that was untrue.

RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “All of these disputes have a common theme, and that is a drive by foreign-owned rail companies to axe guards in order to put private profit before public safety. RMT’s fight is against an all-out drive to ramp up profits to subsidise transport services in Paris, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.”