Commerce, Calif., enacts remote control safety resolution
CLEVELAND, July 23 -- The City Council of Commerce, Calif., voted last night to adopt a remote control safety resolution, becoming the 31st U.S. community to pass such a measure.
So far, 22 cities and nine counties have enacted resolutions calling for improved safety of remote control operations. Many of the resolutions urge the Federal Railroad Administration to develop comprehensive and enforceable regulations to govern the operation of remote control locomotives.
The FRA has issued recommended guidelines intended for use in remote control “pilot projects.” However, railroad companies have seized the opportunity to use the non-binding guidelines, not for pilot projects, but for full-scale implementation of remote control operations in their yard operations.
Under the direction of BLE California State Legislative Board Chairman Tim Smith, the effort to obtain the Commerce resolution was spearheaded by Eric Johnson, Legislative Representative of BLE Division 662 (Los Angeles), Ray Enriquez, Legislative Representative of BLE Division 660 (Los Angeles), and Kent Richards, Legislative Representative of BLE Division 56 (West Colton).
The brothers made a computer and video presentation to the city council in support of the resolution.
In June, 28 runaway Union Pacific cars loaded with lumber reached speeds of 86 mph before derailing in Commerce, a Los Angeles suburb, injuring 13 and demolishing two houses. While the accident was not attributed to remote control, it served to heighten the City Council’s awareness of railroad operations in their community and their need to take steps to protect the safety of their citizens.
The brothers involved expressed thanks to Chairman Smith and the members of the Commerce City Council. They also noted that their ability to work together, even though they represent different railroads, helped to get the job done. Brother Johnson represents members from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe while Brothers Enriquez and Richards represent members from the Union Pacific.
In addition to Commerce, 21 U.S. cities have adopted similar resolutions: Baton Rouge, La.; Detroit, Mich.; Shreveport, La.; Marysville, Mich.; Boston, Mass.; Cleveland, Ohio; Pine Bluff, Ark.; North Little Rock, Ark.; Beardstown, Ill.; Bakersfield, Calif.; Woodbridge, N.J.; Belen, N.M.; Maple Heights, Ohio; Alliance, Neb.; Evansville, Ind.; Dupo, Ill.; Durand, Mich; Flat Rock, Mich.; Woodhaven, Mich; Flint, Mich.; and Sparks, Nev.
Also, nine counties have passed similar remote control resolutions. They are: Douglas County, Wisc.; West Baton Rouge Parish, La.; Point Coupee Parish, La.; Cuyahoga County, Ohio; Huron County, Ohio; Erie County, Ohio; Whitley County, Ky.; Unicoi County, Tenn.; and Contra Costa County, Calif.
A copy of the resolution is available on the BLE as a PDF at:
http://www.ble.org/pr/pdf/commerce.pdf
Wednesday, July 23, 2003
bentley@ble.org
