DOO: key questions

Normally, I am happy to put my name to any letter I write. But as an ASLEF member, I’d rather not this time.

My query to the ASLEF negotiators is: Is Driver Only Operation (DOO) safe or not?

If not, why have they agreed to an unsafe method of working? If it is, why did they oppose it? (I think we know why - money and jobs).

In fact, I believe the answer to my question is both yes and no! Whether it is safe or not depends on numerous factors:

The platform monitoring ■ equipment - CCTV or mirrors, whether in-cab or external.

The geometry of the platform - ■ curvature, and so on.

The amount of platform staff ■ attendance. Platform lighting. ■ The time of day and the number ■ of passengers boarding/alighting. The length of the train. ■ Obviously, 1700 at curvaceous Farringdon on a Wednesday is different from Castle Bar Halt at 1100 on a Sunday!

The problem is that each station/ platform/train would need individual assessment: one size DOES NOT fit all. The public, the politicians and (it would seem) the DfT and unions want a simple answer, and to not be confused with the facts.

I suppose we will have to wait until someone is killed for the collective hand-washing to take place. Sad, but probably true.

I write having been a guard, a train driver, a One Person/Driver Only Train Operator and manager, so I DO know what I’m talking about.

And what happened to the fraternal bond between ASLEF and RMT? Name and address supplied