This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/london/7015423.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Tube services hit by safety fears Tube services hit by safety fears
(about 1 hour later)
Commuters are facing severe rush hour delays on the London Underground as some drivers stopped work over concerns about an emergency braking system.Commuters are facing severe rush hour delays on the London Underground as some drivers stopped work over concerns about an emergency braking system.
There is no service on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines and the District Line is partly suspended.There is no service on the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines and the District Line is partly suspended.
Transport for London (TfL) said Aslef and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) unions had raised concerns about the traction brake controller.Transport for London (TfL) said Aslef and the Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) unions had raised concerns about the traction brake controller.
The unions and TfL are due to meet on Thursday morning to solve the dispute.The unions and TfL are due to meet on Thursday morning to solve the dispute.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow told BBC London the problem was reported on Wednesday and drivers do not feel confident taking the trains out.
AFFECTED LINES Circle Line - completely suspended in both directionsHammersmith & City Line - completely suspended in both directions District Line - partly suspended between Edgware Road and High Street Kensington in both directionsVictoria Line - delays in both directions due to signal failure Tube travel information
"I'm confident the situation will be resolved but management have to reassure our drivers that there are going to be enough safety precautions put in place," he said.
The traction brake controller is a safety device which drivers have to keep pressed down to make the trains work.The traction brake controller is a safety device which drivers have to keep pressed down to make the trains work.
AFFECTED LINES Circle Line - completely suspended in both directionsHammersmith & City Line - completely suspended in both directions District Line - partly suspended between Edgware Road and High Street Kensington in both directions Tube travel information
If released the trains automatically stop if, for example, a driver was to pass out.If released the trains automatically stop if, for example, a driver was to pass out.
RMT general secretary Bob Crow said concern was first raised on Tuesday and drivers do not feel confident taking the trains out.
"The same fault has subsequently been found in at least four trains but seven hours after we asked for an emergency meeting we received a message from the director of safety refusing to meet us over what he described as a storm in a teacup," said Mr Crow.
"It was only after drivers refused to move trains in service that this morning's emergency meeting was finally arranged. It is clear we need urgent checks on the entire fleet."
A TfL spokeswoman said: "Local trade union safety representatives have raised concerns about the design of the traction brake controller on the C stock trains used on these lines.A TfL spokeswoman said: "Local trade union safety representatives have raised concerns about the design of the traction brake controller on the C stock trains used on these lines.
"As always, we are addressing the safety concerns of the trade unions."As always, we are addressing the safety concerns of the trade unions.
"However, these trains have been in safe operation for over 25 years, and there is no reason for the service to the public to be disrupted whilst we seek to address the issues raised.""However, these trains have been in safe operation for over 25 years, and there is no reason for the service to the public to be disrupted whilst we seek to address the issues raised."
Services have been suspended on the District Line between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road since 1740 BST on Wednesday.Services have been suspended on the District Line between High Street Kensington and Edgware Road since 1740 BST on Wednesday.
Trains stopped running on the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines at 1910 BST and 1940 BST respectively.Trains stopped running on the Circle and Hammersmith & City Lines at 1910 BST and 1940 BST respectively.
A replacement bus service is in place between Paddington and Ladbroke Grove.A replacement bus service is in place between Paddington and Ladbroke Grove.