Reporting problems

[Dolive22]

As a non-professional (layman) how should I report things like possible faults to NR? I'm probably a hairs breadth more informed than most people (I know I don't the ELR or the mileage I'm at, for example, and that it would be better if I did know, and included it) but not really very much more.

So what should I do if I notice something wrong, like exposed cables marked as "S&TE" (on warning tiles) in a structure under a railway, or a TPWS grill in the four foot which look distinctly wonky? Obviously if I see a lorry hit a bridge there are big signs telling me exactly what to do, and for some actual accident I would try and remember METHANE or CHALETS so as to give a good report on 999.

 

[DarloRich]

like exposed cables marked as "S&TE" (on warning tiles) in a structure under a railway, or a TPWS grill in the four foot which look distinctly wonky?

sounds perfectly normal to me

There is a public 24/7 reporting number for NR: 03457 11 41 41

 

[Dolive22]

sounds perfectly normal to me

There is a public 24/7 reporting number for NR: 03457 11 41 41

One of the cables was ripped free with exposed conductors, and two more had clearly been dug out or exposed by an eroding bank, so (hopefully) not entirely normal

The number is usually best then?

 

[DarloRich]

One of the cables was ripped free with exposed conductors, and two more had clearly been dug out or exposed by an eroding bank, so (hopefully) not entirely normal

hmmm. Might need an inspection........................

The number is usually best then?

Give them a bell. What is the worst that can happen?

 

[Dolive22]

hmmm. Might need an inspection........................



Give them a bell. What is the worst that can happen?

I've tended to use social media, but it seems obvious now you say it to use the number. Thanks. The cables weren't an invented example so I'll give them a bell now.

 

[pdeaves]

The number is usually best then?

Yes. I have had reason to call twice in the past and they acted very quickly, called back to follow up, etc.

 

[DarloRich]

I've tended to use social media, but it seems obvious now you say it to use the number. Thanks. The cables weren't an invented example so I'll give them a bell now.

Yes. I have had reason to call twice in the past and they acted very quickly, called back to follow up, etc.

That sounds good. Give them a call if you see anything you aren't happy with. Even if it isnt an issue you have done your bit. Imagine you don't call up and something goes wrong................

 

[Highlandspring]

The NR helpline is outsourced to a call centre company* but they will pass on reports to the relevant Route Operations Control or community relations department (for less urgent matters). Of course some of the garbled reports that come through the joint filters of a) the non-railway conversant public and b) the non-railway conversant helpline call handlers take a lot of deciphering!

*the contract changed hands recently and the new call handlers aren’t quite as up to speed with the subtleties of the railway as the old ones... contacting Scotland Route Control in Glasgow for problems in Sussex, for example!

 

[Highlandspring]

Incidentally the number displayed on bridge strike signs goes directly to a dedicated phone line in the relevant Operations Control.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

I

Yes. I have had reason to call twice in the past and they acted very quickly, called back to follow up, etc.

A lot of useful stuff gets reported back by observant members of the public. No harm in reporting something that may cause bigger issues elsewhere. On a manned station - get the message passed to station staff or a supervisor if there is one.

 

[andythebrave]

I well recall travelling from Carlisle to Glasgow in the 80s in a MK2 that felt as one of its wheels was shaped like a thrupenny bit. So much so that the whole carriage felt as if it was going to be catapulted in to the next county. Reported it to the Station manager on arrival and it was removed from the consist before it's return south. Better safe than sorry.