Tube delays caused by 'excess sunlight' hitting drivers' rear view TV monitor

The problem of sunlight on the screen was reported at South Harrow station, pictured
Jeremy Selwyn

London Underground has blamed rush hour delays hitting Tube commuters on “excess sunlight” .

Passengers on a packed morning peak-time Piccadilly line train were stunned when informed they were being held up because of what has now been branded the “wrong sort of sun”.

The bright morning sun was shining onto the platform mounted closed circuit television screen, which the driver uses to ensure passengers are on board and it is safe to close the doors. This meant he did not have a clear or any picture and was unable to move off.

The problem is being taken so seriously that Tube chiefs are having to use extra staff positioned on the platform to inform the driver when it is safe to leave, causing knock-on delays.

There have been a series of incidents – usually in the morning as the bright “low” sun begins to rise.

Staff have been instructed to remain on the platform and help drivers all the while the bright sun is shining and causing problems.

Other similar problems have been reported at other stations including those on the Central, District and Jubilee lines.

Commuter Dan Haythorn, a film editor, told how his journey to work on the Picadilly line was hit by the problem at South Harrow station.

He said: “The train just didn’t leave. We stood there with the doors open.

“The driver came onto the public address (PA) system and explained that he could not pull away because of ‘excess sunlight.’ He said something like ‘we are delayed because of excess sunlight on the monitors.’

“The driver then went on to explain that he needed a member of station staff to check the platform before he was allowed to drive on. We would need to wait for that staff member to appear.”

Mr Haythorn added: “He was apologetic about it but it seemed a bit ridiculous to me. Especially when we just kept sitting there. No one was available at the station to help out, it seemed. So the driver than came on the PA again and again explained the delay was due to ‘excessive sunlight on the monitors.’”

Passenger Anthony Goldsmith, 37, an IT engineer from South Harrow, said: “It’s just a bit of sun and they must have door sensors too.”

Commuter Sara Abasse, 24, a recruitment consultant from Harrow, said: “It’s a busy line, they should be able to move trains faster while still making sure they are safe.”

Despite it’s “Underground” name just over half the Tube system, used by more than four million people a day, is on the surface.

A station worker at South Harrow confirmed the glare had been a problem and posed a safety risk.

She said: “It’s something we can do at the discretion of the station manager and the control room. It’s important the driver can see the cameras and know when it’s safe to pull off.”

Tony Matthews, general manager for the Piccadilly line, said: “The safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority.

“On rare occasions when a driver’s vision is impaired by sunlight and they can’t check the platforms they are instructed to keep the train in the platform while another member of staff helps the driver carry out platform safety checks.

“The extra staff will then stay on the platform until drivers are not hampered by sunlight.”

A Tube spokesman said such incidents were “rare.”

Finn Brennan district organiser for Aslef, the train drivers’ union, said: “Bright sunlight can cause real problems.

“If train drivers cannot see the signals they have to reduce speed to safe levels so they they do not risk passing a signal at danger.

“Bright sunlight can also make it difficult or impossible to see if passengers are clear of the platform edge on the monitors that drivers use.”

He said: “This can cause delays but it is a genuine safety issue despite the jokes about the ‘wrong sort of sun.’”

The sun has caused similar problems on mainline rail.

Drivers for Southeastern, one of the “big three” commuter operators serving routes across London, Kent and parts of Sussex, reported earlier this year they could not see into the platform mounted mirrors because of glare from the sun.

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