james_the_xv
Member
Have the ORR actually got a definition of what “CDL” is exactly? Has it got to involve a physical lock? Is is explicitly forbidden that secondary locks cannot be manually operated by stewards under the ‘central’ instruction of the guard?
For example, 2nd generation multiple unit sliding doors are not ‘locked’ per se, unless they are manually locked out of use with a carriage key. They are just held shut with air pressure. It’s quite possible to pull them open in motion if you’re strong enough, although this would trigger an emergency brake application. It’s also possible to open them, easily, at any moment using the emergency door release handle which any passenger has access to, placed above the door. Any passenger could, if they wish, operate this handle and open a door in traffic, which would be easier to do than lowering a droplight and opening the handle on the outside. People generally don’t, as there is a sign warning them of big fines if used inappropriately, as there could be for slam door stock.
The ORR quote this paragraph of the Railway Safety Regulations 1999:
Prohibition of hinged doors
5.—(1) No person shall operate, and no infrastructure controller shall permit the operation of any rolling stock on a railway if the rolling stock has hinged doors for use by passengers for boarding and alighting from the train (other than doors which have a means of centrally locking them in a closed position).
CDL is therefore defined as doors which are locked centrally (and cannot be operated locally, which is self explanatory imo). I can pull the emergency release on a 350 and shimmy the door open but that doesn't mean they aren't locked centrally. Besides putting a iron girder across the outside of every set of door no train door is truly 'locked'.