TUBE UNION RMT today demanded the reversal of the latest cuts plans from London Underground which would change the inspection frequency on key fail-safe safety equipment from daily to every 60 days.

A decision by the Directors Risk and Assurance Change Control Committee (DRACC) reduces the frequency of tripcock testing on the S Stock fleet from daily to once every 15,000 kilometers - equating to an average running period of 60 days.

The tripcock is a crucial piece of on-train safety equipment automatically preventing trains from passing red signals in the event of an emergency situation. It is known throughout the rail industry as one of the most crucial safety devices preventing crashes and protecting lives.

RMT is seeking an emergency meeting with senior tube managers to get the decision reversed.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said:

“RMT is shocked and appalled that London Underground could even be considering tampering with the frequency of the tripcock failsafe tests. The tripcock is an essential safety mechanism which stops a train in the event of it passing a signal at danger and is known throughout the rail industry as a lifesaver.

“This is a cuts lead move that follows hacking back of safety inspections on escalators and out on the tracks and comes at a time when maintenance cuts are already causing havoc on a daily basis with signal failures and breakdowns common place.

“This move on the tripcocks inspections ratchets up the safety concerns of RMT and is literally dicing with death. We are demanding it be reversed now.”