WEST Coast Railways has been granted a further three-month exemption by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to continue operating Mk.1 coaching stock on the national network.
A previous exemption had been due to expire on November 30, 2023, and the latest extension will now expire on February 29, 2024.
The regulator wants all operators using slam-door stock to provide a fitment plan for door locking systems, with the regulator providing exemptions for all companies that provided plans, however WCR did not provide one and so was originally given a deadline of June 30 (RE327) and has received subsequent exemptions.
WCR has challenged the ORR via a judicial review with a judgement expected early in the new year.
The exemption allows WCR to continue operating using the stock in question. An ORR spokesperson told Rail Express: “ORR has granted WCR a new three-month exemption from December 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024 to enable it to operate whilst its judicial review is determined.”
The operator has understands.
