Southend Council issues update on electric Pier trains following 2024 incident
They say no electric train will return to passenger service until necessary engineering, operational and safety measures have been completed.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is continuing work to understand the circumstances of the October 2024 Pier Railway buffer stop incident.
In an update, the authority said no electric train will return to passenger service until the necessary engineering, operational and safety measures have been completed and the council has satisfied reintroduction arrangements.
Following the incident in 2024, the council notified the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and engaged with them throughout the investigation process.
An independent forensic engineering investigation was commissioned.
Since November 2024, the council has maintained that the electric trains would remain out of service until it was safe for them to return.
The city council has also committed to sending necessary investigation findings and proposed corrective actions to ORR before any return to service.
Alongside the investigation work, the authority has progressed a separate programme of engineering inspections and recommissioning work relating to the non-incident electric train, Sir David Amess. Detailed electrical inspections have been completed and further information is being finalised surrounding mechanical works and programme requirements.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "It is enormously frustrating that we are coming up to two years and the electric trains are still not working.
"But it is right that the Council's approach throughout has been to follow the evidence, work with independent engineering specialists and engage openly with the ORR.
"The position remains unchanged: the electric trains will only return to service once the necessary work has been completed and it is safe to do so.
"Suggestions that the Council misled members about ORR involvement are simply incorrect. ORR was formally notified in October 2024 and the Council has kept engaged with them throughout the process, including through updates, site visits and discussing the arrangements for any return to service."