How to report track problems before they get serious?

[Peter Mugridge]

30 or so years ago I reported a gradually deteriorating ride in the up direction over a particular bridge ( Bridge 6 - in the older numbering system - over Meadow Walk between Ewell West and Stoneleigh ), over which I commuted daily at the time. It was a slight but noticeable decline, specifically a particular bump and a wobble.

I received a letter back saying that they had sent a manger out to look at it and found that it required immediate remedial action. This was obviously done because a few days later the ride was normal.

About five years or so later, the entire bridge was rebuilt.

The lesson is clear - always report anything you are worried about. While many reports will be found to be within tolerances, as others above have mentioned, there is always the possibility that something important is not known about which could have serious consequences if ignored.

 

[BigB]

When I have reported an issue previously (though going back a few years) the Network Rail site had the option of reporting via e-mail with photos etc. which you should expect a reply to in 5 days, or to phone for emergencies such as a car on the line which requires immediate action.
If you spot a broken rail this would be a phone call, but bad dipping I think would be best covered by email/twitter whatever with backup. The suggestion of a short video of a train passing over is with 1000 words, and allows better prioritisation to be made for visiting site etc.
But I guess if in doubt, phone and they can advise, especially if you can offer a video of the behaviour when trains pass.

 

[CEN60]

When I have reported an issue previously (though going back a few years) the Network Rail site had the option of reporting via e-mail with photos etc. which you should expect a reply to in 5 days, or to phone for emergencies such as a car on the line which requires immediate action.
If you spot a broken rail this would be a phone call, but bad dipping I think would be best covered by email/twitter whatever with backup. The suggestion of a short video of a train passing over is with 1000 words, and allows better prioritisation to be made for visiting site etc.
But I guess if in doubt, phone and they can advise, especially if you can offer a video of the behaviour when trains pass.

You do realise that back in BR days as an employee you got a "bonus" if you spotted and reported a broken rail (cant remember how much it was though)

Although worryingly I reported an wide open location case on the platform to the local booking office - and had to explain to the member of staff what a location case was!!!

 

[AlexNL]

The term "location case" is quite the jargon though. It makes sense to Signalling & Telecoms engineers, but to people who aren't in S&T or the railway as a hobby it probably doesn't mean much. I'd just call it an "electronics cabinet" if I were to come across a situation like that one.