Trains on the Docklands Light Railway are now running at slower speeds following a safety review by Transport for London, reports the BBC. The decision was made during a review of the signalling system where it was found that the difference between the speed trains were running and the maximum recommended speed did not have enough of a safety margin.
Its reported that most sections of the network will now see trains running 5kmph slower than they were. Its also noted that at no point were trains running faster than the speed limit.
Tom Page, TfL General Manager for the DLR, said: “Following a review of our signalling system we identified a pre-existing technical issue, which meant there were a number of places where there is not enough margin between maximum recommended speed and the speed of the trains.
“For the continued safe operation of the network, we decided to reduce the speed at these locations.
“The DLR continues to be one of the safest light rail networks in the country.”
As a result of the lower speeds the direct Stratford to Lewisham service has been suspended with passengers now having to change trains at Canary Wharf to continue their journeys.
If the trains were not speeding and not doing more than their recommended maximum, why do they need to be slowed down? Sounds like an excuse to cancel the direct service to me.