Recommendation Date
Recipient Name
LTSA
Text
Review those heritage railways using motor trolleys to convey passengers to ensure that the trolleys are equipped with a suitable restraint to minimise the risk of passengers falling from the trolley.
Reply Text
With regard to your recommendation the LTSA has already sought and reviewed information regarding trolley operations from relevant operators. This review confirmed the LTSA view that a mix of trolley passenger safety measures (rather than one single measure) is the most appropriate approach, depending on the nature of the particular operation. Possible safety measures, in addition to passenger restraints, include a maximum permitted trolley speed, consideration of location, drawbar design, etc.
In particular, the LTSA can require operators to fit equipment such as restraints if the Director of Land Transport Safety considers it necessary in accordance with the Transport Services Licensing Act 6F, to avoid a significant risk of death or serious injury. At this stage, the LTSA is unsure if this threshold for intervention has been met.
In addition, given the diversity of trolley operations, the recommendation you make, if universally applied, could very well create new and unforeseen risks.
As such, the LTSA would prefer to continue the work underway in this area. We are currently working with trolley operators on a case by case basis, assessing their circumstances, and then agreeing on the most effective mix of safety measures. In some cases this has included the fitting of suitable passenger restraints.
This approach allows the LTSA to avoid having to impose a safety requirement, especially in situations where it could reduce safety. For these reasons, I regret I am unable to accept your recommendation.
In particular, the LTSA can require operators to fit equipment such as restraints if the Director of Land Transport Safety considers it necessary in accordance with the Transport Services Licensing Act 6F, to avoid a significant risk of death or serious injury. At this stage, the LTSA is unsure if this threshold for intervention has been met.
In addition, given the diversity of trolley operations, the recommendation you make, if universally applied, could very well create new and unforeseen risks.
As such, the LTSA would prefer to continue the work underway in this area. We are currently working with trolley operators on a case by case basis, assessing their circumstances, and then agreeing on the most effective mix of safety measures. In some cases this has included the fitting of suitable passenger restraints.
This approach allows the LTSA to avoid having to impose a safety requirement, especially in situations where it could reduce safety. For these reasons, I regret I am unable to accept your recommendation.
Related Investigation(s)