Over 50 Trains Ran a Red Light on Belgian Railways in 2024

In 2024, 51 trains ran a red light across Belgium’s main rail network. This occurred during 1.5 million train journeys spanning nearly 100 million kilometres. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

How Many Trains Ran a Red Light in 2024?

According to rail operator Infrabel, violations decreased by 5.5% compared to the previous year’s 54 cases. Fortunately, none of these incidents caused accidents, thanks to robust safety measures in place.

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Passing a red light doesn’t always pose immediate danger, Infrabel clarified. However, risks grow when trains reach intersections after ignoring signals. In 2024, this critical scenario happened in 14 cases, down from 31.5% in 2023.

Safety Systems Prevent Risks When Trains Ran a Red Light

The European Train Control System (ETCS) continually monitors train speeds and applies automatic braking if drivers disobey signals. This advanced technology reduces accident risks across Belgium’s railways.

In 2024, ETCS intervened in one potentially hazardous situation, preventing collisions or damage. Additionally, 1,085 kilometres of track received ETCS upgrades, increasing coverage to 79% of the 5,058-kilometre primary network.

Violations Decrease on Secondary Tracks

On secondary tracks, where trains move slower and are often empty, red light violations also declined. Cases dropped from 44 in 2023 to 40 in 2024, reflecting ongoing improvements.

Belgium’s commitment to expanding ETCS coverage ensures continued progress in rail safety and efficiency. With consistent updates, the risks linked to trains running a red light will likely continue decreasing in the coming years.

Source: www.brusselstimes.com

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