Polish Train Drivers’ Go-Slow Protest Causes Widespread Rail Disruption
Widespread Rail Disruption and Safety Concerns in Poland
By Laura Urraca-Makuch and Thomas Holdstock
Extent and Impact of the Go-Slow Protest
GDANSK, Poland, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Poland's railways faced widespread disruption on Friday as a go-slow protest by train drivers over safety concerns left around two-thirds of services facing delays on one of the busiest days of the week.
Recent Accidents Prompting the Protest
One person was killed and 10 were taken to hospital after a train hit a truck at a level crossing and derailed in central Poland on Wednesday, the latest in a string of accidents caused by road users ignoring warning signals.
Union Response and Demands
"We don't view this as a protest, but rather as an act of desperation," said Sebastian Piernik, a member of train drivers' union ZZM, adding that its demands regarding safety had been ignored in the past.
Key Safety Issues Highlighted
"The fundamental issue is ensuring consequences for drivers who cross the tracks when there is a red light."
Details of the Go-Slow Action
In the protest, which ran until midday local time on Friday, train drivers slowed down to 20 kilometres per hour (12 mph) at all level crossings.
As a result, train operator PKP Intercity said that, as of 12 p.m. (1000 GMT), 203 out of 290 services were facing delays averaging 37 minutes, with knock-on effects to be felt throughout the day.
Public Reaction and Government Response
Public Sentiment
As she waited to cross the railway tracks on foot, Gdansk resident Alicja Kiman said she was not surprised by the protest as motorists were often reckless.
"I've actually seen rubbish trucks tear the barrier down twice - forcing their way in while it was closing," she said.
Government Measures to Improve Safety
The government has said it would introduce stiffer penalties for drivers who disregard warning signals at crossings and that it was spending hundreds of millions of zlotys on improving safety.
"These changes will entail the risk of losing one's driving licence for any driver who enters a road-rail crossing while the red light is on," Infrastructure Minister Dariusz Klimczak told reporters.
(Reporting by Laura Urraca-Makuch and Thomas Holdstock, writing by Alan Charlish, Editing by Alex Richardson)
