Southend-on-Sea City Council is continuing work to understand the circumstances of the October 2024 Pier Railway buffer stop incident.
Following the incident on 6 October 2024, the Council formally notified the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) on 8 October 2024 and subsequently engaged with ORR throughout the investigation process.
An independent forensic engineering investigation was commissioned, with ORR undertaking its own enquiries and site visits to ensure compliance with ORR expectations with the approach taken by the Council.
Since November 2024, the Council has consistently maintained that the electric trains would remain out of passenger service until it is safe to do so. The city council also committed to providing necessary investigation findings and proposed corrective actions to ORR before any return to service and to take account of any feedback received.
Alongside the investigation work, the Council has been progressing a separate programme of engineering inspections and recommissioning work relating to the non-incident electric train, Sir David Amess. Detailed electrical inspections have been completed and further information is being finalised regarding mechanical works and programme requirements.
As matters stand, no electric train will return to passenger service until the necessary engineering, operational and safety measures have been completed and the Council has satisfied the reintroduction arrangements as proposed to the ORR.
Cllr Matt Dent, Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, said: "It is enormously frustrating that we are coming up to two years and the electric trains are still not working.
"But it is right that the Council's approach throughout has been to follow the evidence, work with independent engineering specialists and engage openly with the ORR.
"The position remains unchanged: the electric trains will only return to service once the necessary work has been completed and it is safe to do so.
"Suggestions that the Council misled members about ORR involvement are simply incorrect. ORR was formally notified in October 2024 and the Council has kept engaged with them throughout the process, including through updates, site visits and discussing the arrangements for any return to service."