Federal NDP calling for new railway safety measures
Posted Jul 11, 2013 11:29 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
In the wake of the Lac Megantic tragedy the federal NDP is proposing new railway safety measures to try and prevent future catastrophes.
The party has put forward a series of recommendations it hopes the Harper government will adopt.
NDP transport critic Olivia Chow said there are simple practical measures that the government should be implementing.
“We would like to see the automatic braking system be installed as recommended the Transportation Safety Board,” Chow said.
Chow also wants to end the practice of having only one engineer on trains with hazardous materials, an issue that is being investigated in the Lac Megantic case.
Chow adds these recommendations have been suggested in the past, some as far back as 10 years ago.
The party also recommends phasing out the DOT111 railcars, which were involved in the Lac Megantic tragedy. Some reports say they have dangerous design flaws.
Chow is also calling for all audits of the railway company Montreal, Maine and Atlantic to be made public.
She said if any safety measures are found to be inadequate, the company’s operating licence should be revoked.
Transport Minister Denis Lebel has said if the Transportation Safety Board finds any deficiencies with the system the government won’t hesitate to take action.
