Network Rail To Check 700 Sets Of Points

BBC News:

Rail expert Christian Wolmar told the BBC that the points could have been defective with loose bolts and nuts.

The checks are to be carried out on high-speed rail lines on older tracks where trains travel above 85 miles per hour. The spokesman said Network Rail, which is responsible for maintaining track, hoped to have the checks completed within the next 24 hours.

Wolmar told BBC News 24 that he understood the circumstances were thought to be similar to those in the Potters Bar crash.

"From what I understand, they have found these points in a similar condition to those at Potters Bar, with some missing nuts and the stretcher bar which keeps the rails properly apart apparently loosened."

Mr Wolmar said it was up to Network Rail to ensure that the points were properly maintained and that "things like loose bolts, loose bolts and nuts, were tightened up regularly ... there is also the possibility that these nuts and bolts were maintained in the wrong way, or not sufficiently maintained, and that's why they were in that condition."