Letter: Runaway trains
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Connex South Eastern claim that when their trains come in half (report, 17 August), there is no danger to passengers. I am not convinced of that.
Almost all trains in this country use a compressed-air braking system which is designed so that, if a train should divide, the brakes will be put hard on, in both bits. That will happen automatically when the brake hoses are pulled apart.
But if "Networker" trains come uncoupled, that does not happen. The automatic couplers used between the two- or four-coach units have self-sealing connections.
As recent events have shown, if this happens the front part carries on with the driver unaware of what has happened. But what happens to the back part?
The severance of the control circuits will ensure that its traction power is cut off, but do the brakes come on? Or does it just roll on, driverless and brakeless?
And if the front part is stopped, what is there to prevent the back part from crashing into it?
Dr ARTHUR TARRANT
Twickenham, Middlesex
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments