Overspeed incidents at emergency speed restrictions
Overspeed incidents at emergency speed restrictions at Wood Green Junction and Melton Lane level crossing on 11 and 12 June 2023.
Forward-facing CCTV from the train involved at Melton Lane level crossing (courtesy of Northern Rail).
On 11 June 2023, a 20 mph (32 km/h) hot weather-related emergency speed restriction had been imposed at Wood Green junction, near Alexandra Palace station in north London. By the end of that day, three trains operating in passenger service had reported passing over the restriction whilst travelling at far greater than the restricted speed.
On 12 June 2023, a 20 mph (32 km/h) hot weather-related emergency speed restriction had been imposed at Melton Lane level crossing, between Brough and Ferriby stations, near Hull. By the end of that day, two trains operating in passenger service had been reported as passing over the restriction whilst travelling at far greater than the restricted speed.
We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding these incidents. 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.