Old carriages `are unsafe'

TRAIN CARRIAGES used by tens of thousands of passengers every day across Britain are thought to be unsafe, it emerged yesterday.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has enlarged an inquiry into the 23 June rail crash at Winsford South Junction, north of Crewe, to include an investigation into the use of "Pacer" trains.

Thirty-one passengers were injured in the Winsford incident, when a Virgin express train smashed into an empty commuter train. The damage to the carriages of the local service was so extensive, it was felt that there should be an inquiry into the use of the rolling stock.

Some 250 Pacer trains are in constant use by the train operators First North Western, Wales and West, Northern Spirit and Cardiff Railway.

The HSE said yesterday they were "relatively lightweight" vehicles and were less able to withstand high-speed collisions than the modern rolling stock.

Inspectors are particularly concerned about their use in circumstances where they "mix" with high-speed or freight traffic. The HSE wants companies to take action to minimise the risks.

An official at Aslef, the train drivers' union, said the organisation was also keen to ensure the safety of trains on behalf of its members and passengers and would co-operate fully with the inquiry.