Driving train while on a mobile - is this allowed?

[RPM]

It could have been an IVRS handset.

 

[90019]

I still feel that dismissal is harsh - if a truck driver or a bus driver is caught on the mobile it's a fine and 3 points isn't it?

You can still face dismissal by your employer if caught though.

 

[Schnellzug]

Well most TOCs have a "personal / mobile communications device" policy which you read, sign and abide by. Even if you slip up briefly the once you will be out the door.

Banned for not only dispatching or doing the doors but you shouldn't be using your phone full stop once you are on the platform / station environment and TRTS has been pressed.

Drivers- once out of messroom it must be switched off, can't text / call sat in the cab or walking to your train. Signallers often ask the driver for a mobile number. Big no on our TOC if you give out a mobile number to signaller.

When we get called up the caller is supposed to say "is it safe to talk".

I'm afraid that's the kind of blanket all-purpose covering-all-bases rules that gives blanket rules a bad name. Not allowed to use your phone walking along the platform? Any company that imposes such an absurd rule would soon be looking for a large number of new staff, I'd have thought. It's a seller's market, I should have thought, for qualified train drivers.

 

[TDK]

but a truck or bus worse case (within reason can wipe out maybe 20 people, a train how many hundred?)

Sorry mate but one person is just too many - you cannot value lives by numbers surely! I wouldn't use a mobile phone in a driving cab is the train is moving, my phone is in my bag anyway - and equally I wouldn't use it driving my car. If you want to compair risk for instance the risk of having an accident in a truck or bus if far greater than in a train, so How many people have died since the introduction of mobile phones from a train driver becoming distracted? then how many have been killed by a truck driver, car drivers and the like? Many, Many more. If a risk assessment was carried out the loss of life from a train driver using a mobile would be a lot lower than say a truck driver, however, mobiles should not be used whilst operating any machinary!!! Be it a car, train, bus etc.

 

[michael769]

I still feel that dismissal is harsh - if a truck driver or a bus driver is caught on the mobile it's a fine and 3 points isn't it?

And potentially a visit to the Traffic Commissioner while they decide if you are a fit person to hold a vocational license.

 

[ChrisCooper]

The vast majority of bus companies, infact every single one I know, using a mobile phone whilst the engine is switch on is instant dismissal, no questions asked. Most companies will say the same with earpieces for phones or music. As TDK says, a bus or lorry driver has more chance of killing a large number of people from a momentary lapse than a train driver (especially as buses and lorries don't have TPWS, AWS etc), so things that increase the risk are taken very seriously by any half decent company. They also have a good chance of causing expensive damage too (even a none fatal rear ending is likely to cost thousands, especially by the time the 10 passengers in the car and the 200 passengers on the bus have all claimed for whiplash), which leads to higher insurance premiums which comes out of profits.

 

[notadriver]

Chances of catching a train driver using a mobile while driving are minuscule compare with the chances of finding road vehicle driver doing the same thing.

 

[alanf]

They must have very long cars and buses in Loughborough

 

[150222]

I don't think that it makes any differance when driving a train. As I said the driver of a voyager speeding through Canley towords Birmingham was on a phone and I never heard any reports of a collision further up the line! Although services were disrupted the next day (august 2006)! However I think that was due to wires coming down.

 

[455driver]

I am a driver and I regularly text and talk on my phone when the train is moving.




I am in the back cab travelling pass but hey let all the ranting begin!

 

[ANorthernGuard]

I am a driver and I regularly text and talk on my phone when the train is moving.




I am in the back cab travelling pass but hey let all the ranting begin!

hehe

 

[Minilad]

It is made very obvious to us that the use of a mobile while driving is a big no-no. If you get caught you better have a very very good excuse or you may well be going down the road.
Any driver worth his salt will refrain. I mean whats so hard about not looking at a phone for a couple of hours at the most

 

[BestWestern]

I don't think that it makes any differance when driving a train. As I said the driver of a voyager speeding through Canley towords Birmingham was on a phone and I never heard any reports of a collision further up the line! Although services were disrupted the next day (august 2006)! However I think that was due to wires coming down.

All train companies operate with a big emphasis on reduction of SPADs and other operating incidents, such as TPWS activation, fail-to-call and so on. Distraction is the primary cause of these occurrences, and so it makes sense that in-cab distractions are kept to a minimum. Mobile phones, MP3 players, even portable DVD players, are all things which some Drivers may be tempted to use if allowed, and are all things which are likely to be a major cause of distraction and so are banned. My TOC has recently introduced a new ruling that Drivers travelling on a service are no longer allowed in the front cab. Again, it might seem harsh to some but it's there to safeguard all concerned. Chatting away on a mobile is just as likely to cause a train Driver to misjudge a signal or speed restriction as it is to cause a driver of a road vehicle to hit a pedestrian or the car in front.

 

[TDK]

Chatting away on a mobile is just as likely to cause a train Driver to misjudge a signal or speed restriction as it is to cause a driver of a road vehicle to hit a pedestrian or the car in front.

Sorry but that is an incorreect statement, if you carry out a risk assessment you will find the risk of this happening to a train driver is far less than a driver of a road vehicle having an incident however it is a distraction and the current mobile phone policies within the TOC's are in place to prevent any of this happening. If a car driver runs a red light and hit's another vehicle and is on the mobile phone will he be banned for driving for life? No, however if a train driver is caught just using a phone whist the train is moving they will be! Maybe if it is such a risk anyone using a mobile whilst driving a road vehicle should be banned from driving for a minimum of 5 years!

 

[BestWestern]

Sorry but that is an incorreect statement, if you carry out a risk assessment you will find the risk of this happening to a train driver is far less than a driver of a road vehicle having an incident however it is a distraction and the current mobile phone policies within the TOC's are in place to prevent any of this happening. If a car driver runs a red light and hit's another vehicle and is on the mobile phone will he be banned for driving for life? No, however if a train driver is caught just using a phone whist the train is moving they will be! Maybe if it is such a risk anyone using a mobile whilst driving a road vehicle should be banned from driving for a minimum of 5 years!

I meant that as a general statement, to challenge a previous assertion that it was a pointless rule, rather than as a calculated scientific study! I agree that yes there is obviously a greater risk to the driver of a road vehicle, as the level of hazard and potential for error when driving a road vehicle is far higher. Unlikely to get a lifetime ban, but as has already been mentioned a PCV or LGV driver working for many reputable companies may well lose their job. Is it possible to actually 'ban' a train Driver?!

I would fully support a five year ban for motorists using mobile phones at the wheel, and while we're at it could we also ban people using sat-navs?! Bl**dy things!

 

[oversteer]

Is it legal to use a satnav while driving a train ? :P

 

[150222]

Is it legal to use a satnav while driving a train ? :P

I guess not however as they don't show train tracks I doupt any train driver has ever tried!

 

[hairyhandedfool]

I don't know about illegal, but you might expect to receive a nice piece of paper with 'P45' written on it.

 

[Minilad]

Is it legal to use a satnav while driving a train ? :P

At the Junction with the Number one feather turn left !!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I meant that as a general statement, to challenge a previous assertion that it was a pointless rule, rather than as a calculated scientific study! I agree that yes there is obviously a greater risk to the driver of a road vehicle, as the level of hazard and potential for error when driving a road vehicle is far higher. Unlikely to get a lifetime ban, but as has already been mentioned a PCV or LGV driver working for many reputable companies may well lose their job. Is it possible to actually 'ban' a train Driver?!

I would fully support a five year ban for motorists using mobile phones at the wheel, and while we're at it could we also ban people using sat-navs?! Bl**dy things!

Why. If used correctly and sensibly they are a very useful tool. Dont blame the technology for the idiots that use them inappropriately

 

[Hydro]

I guess not however as they don't show train tracks I doupt any train driver has ever tried!

Railway satnav exists, in a fashion.

 

[150222]

It's not the same though. I think he was reffuring to a TomTom.

 

[Hydro]

It's not the same though. I think he was reffuring to a TomTom.

The system I use could easily be used as a railway satnav, and sort of will be, starting next year. A route map with testing route overlaid on it to allow real time route analysis of test runs. Shows us exactly where the train goes "off route" and what is missed. Could work with TRUST routeing points rather than a test diagram, but what the point would be, I don't know.

 

[Legzr1]

Introduce route learning for road users.

Not been on the M25 for 6 months?
Take your name off and request a refresher.

Don't sign the M6?
Take an alternative route you do sign.

Introduce traction training for road users.

Engine turns but does not fire - 08 Ford Focus - get those diagnostic maps out and sort it out.

Engine shut down will not start - 57 Vauxhall Vectra - reset battery overvoltage,isolate BIS,trip CC circuit breaker.


That would work.

 

[A-driver]

Mobiles are a no no with passenger trains but it is (or used to be) ok on freight-when the LM units were on loan to SN for the MKC services they had EWS drivers driving with SN drivers road conducting. Many of the SN guys said that the EWS guys were often on the phone - even to their DMs and control whilst driving.

 

[Cherry_Picker]

I have used my personal mobile to phone the depot and the signalman in the past regarding operational issues. I have never (and will never) use it to call the missus to ask her what is for dinner later.

 

[Legzr1]

Mobiles are a no no with passenger trains but it is (or used to be) ok on freight-when the LM units were on loan to SN for the MKC services they had EWS drivers driving with SN drivers road conducting. Many of the SN guys said that the EWS guys were often on the phone - even to their DMs and control whilst driving.

Different now.

I know of 3 very recent occasions where drivers have been disciplined when caught.

 

[ChrisCooper]

They must have very long cars and buses in Loughborough

Not Loughborough, but a certain nearby city does throw up incidents where fraudulant claims after accidents are very high, includling people who were not even involved. Lets just say it tends to occur in certain areas with a particular population demographic.

 

[Smudger105e]

Mobiles are a no no with passenger trains but it is (or used to be) ok on freight-when the LM units were on loan to SN for the MKC services they had EWS drivers driving with SN drivers road conducting. Many of the SN guys said that the EWS guys were often on the phone - even to their DMs and control whilst driving.

This has indeed changed. I went on a test run with a driver some time ago, and he advised that he was (at that time) permitted to use his mobile when driving provided that he was running under green signals.

DBS has since modified its Policy, and drivers are no longer allowed to use mobile phones when the loco is moving. I am not sure whethher they are allowed to use them when staitionary though.

ASLEF have stickers that have been unofficially stuck in class 66 cabs, which say "Don't let your mobile cost you your job".

 

[Minilad]

This has indeed changed. I went on a test run with a driver some time ago, and he advised that he was (at that time) permitted to use his mobile when driving provided that he was running under green signals.

DBS has since modified its Policy, and drivers are no longer allowed to use mobile phones when the loco is moving. I am not sure whethher they are allowed to use them when staitionary though.

ASLEF have stickers that have been unofficially stuck in class 66 cabs, which say "Don't let your mobile cost you your job".

They have appeared on XC stock too. To which some wags have added "Call this number for further details"

 

[BestWestern]

A
Why. If used correctly and sensibly they are a very useful tool. Dont blame the technology for the idiots that use them inappropriately

They're just as distracting as a mobile all the time they include a display to take a driver's attention away from what is happening in front of them. The frequent displays of dithering, wandering erratic driving by oblivious idiots with them stuck to their windscreens would seem to back this up. By all means have an audible guide, but there is no justification at all for a gadget intended for use by the driver of a moving vehicle to include a detailed display screen. I've yet to hear of anybody driving up a railway line or into a river because their mobile phone told them to! :roll: :roll: