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ERFA writes to EC for double drivers on locos (PL)

ERFA writes to EC for double drivers on locos (PL)

25/05/2010

ERFA has written to the EC to ask for an investigation about a draft legislation imposing double drivers on all locos with the driver seat on the left. This case complements the Class 66 case already notifed for the same reasons.

On 1/09/2008, ERFA wrote for the 1st time to the EC to request for a formal investigation into the compliance of the Polish homologation procedures affecting Class 66 locos. The Polish Rail Regulator and Safety Authority ‘UTK’ had materially restricted the homologation of new Class 66 locomotives with the argument that a driver sitting on the left and driving on the right would be unsafe, and UTK has therefore imposed a 2nd driver in the cabin. The UTK decision was proven invalid by a decision of the Polish court on 4th November 2009 and is subject to a technical analysis by the European Railway Agency "ERA".

In the meantime, the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure has prepared an amendment to the General Conditions of Railway Operations and Signalling, foreseeing a mandatory 2nd driver on all locomotives with the seat on the left. Such legislation would result in having to operate numerous old diesel locos with a single cabin also with 2 drivers. 

The EC will investigate this 2nd case urgently and notify it also to ERA. 

For further information, please contact: monika.heiming@erfa.be.