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Merika · 09-02-2006, 10:58 PM

Bright sun delays train

Delayed rush hour commuters were told their trains had been held up because the sun was too bright.

Rail operator c2c said a train driver was held up at Laindon in Essex because he could not see in a mirror to check if anyone was getting in or out of carriages.

As well as causing hold ups to passengers on the train, those behind it on the line between Southend and Fenchurch Street in London were delayed for up to 30 minutes.

One puzzled commuter said: "This is the first time I've heard delays blamed on the sun - although I suppose it does make more sense UK trains would be less prepared for good weather than bad."

The rail company blamed the delays on a 'freak occurence' caused by the bright sun and the position of the mirrors on the platform.

A spokesman for c2c said: "Depending on which way the sun is shining and how bright it is, very occasionally it can provide a glare on the mirror which some drivers can't see past.

"In this case he couldn't see in the mirrors on the station. There are safety procedures which are put in place and that puts extra time on the journey."

Previous infamous excuses used by rail companies to explain delays on Britain's railways have included 'leaves on the line' in autumn and 'the wrong kind of snow' in winter.

09-02-2006, 10:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
Merika Retired Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Florida, USA Posts: 13,268	Bright sun delays train Bright sun delays train Delayed rush hour commuters were told their trains had been held up because the sun was too bright. Rail operator c2c said a train driver was held up at Laindon in Essex because he could not see in a mirror to check if anyone was getting in or out of carriages. As well as causing hold ups to passengers on the train, those behind it on the line between Southend and Fenchurch Street in London were delayed for up to 30 minutes. One puzzled commuter said: "This is the first time I've heard delays blamed on the sun - although I suppose it does make more sense UK trains would be less prepared for good weather than bad." The rail company blamed the delays on a 'freak occurence' caused by the bright sun and the position of the mirrors on the platform. A spokesman for c2c said: "Depending on which way the sun is shining and how bright it is, very occasionally it can provide a glare on the mirror which some drivers can't see past. "In this case he couldn't see in the mirrors on the station. There are safety procedures which are put in place and that puts extra time on the journey." Previous infamous excuses used by rail companies to explain delays on Britain's railways have included 'leaves on the line' in autumn and 'the wrong kind of snow' in winter.