THE future of the‘Jacobite’ steam train operation between FortWilliam and Mallaig, as well many other steam tours operated by theWest Coast Railway Company for third party promoters, rests on the decision of a Judicial Review, with a decision expected in late January.
At the heart of the review is the decision by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to revoke West Coast’s (WCR) exemption to operate carriages on the main line without central door locking (CDL), whichWCR is challenging.
The company has operated its steam excursions using a manual door bolt system, rather than power operated CDL system controlled from a central point, since 2003. WCR says a trained steward is positioned in each vestibule, who will only unlock the doors when the train is in a station platform. The stewards also ensure no one leans out of the window, which is another safety concern of the ORR.