HIDD-81 Response Historic AI-assessed

BR to equip signal boxes with direct lines and emergency dialling systems

Recommendation

BR shall complete its programme of equipping major signal boxes with direct lines to the appropriate electrical control and equipping other signal boxes with priority emergency dialling systems. Those direct lines and emergency dialling systems shall be logged and tested daily. The purpose of this programme shall be to ensure that: (i) the signalman is able to take full responsibility for ensuring that the area surrounding the accident site is electrically isolated; (ii) the action is confirmed to the signalman, the emergency services, and the BR officials at site; and (iii) the boundaries of isolation are similarly confirmed.

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
No specific, publicly available evidence detailing the completion of a programme by BR (or its successor) to equip signal boxes with direct lines to electrical control or priority emergency dialling systems, including daily logging and testing, has been identified from the provided official sources. The general search results on gov.uk do not offer specific details related to this recommendation.
How was this assessed?
Assessed by gemini-2.5-flash on 18 Mar 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
External sources searched: www.gov.uk, www.legislation.gov.uk, hansard.parliament.uk
Jurisdiction
UK-wide
Response
Historic

No government response recorded.

Source
Report Hidden Inquiry — Final Report 27 Sep 1989
Recommendation age 36.5 yrs
Last formal update No formal updates