Another example of the law of unintended consequences.
On the 11th June 2003 a drunken student fell between the gap in the platform and a Silverlink train at Gunnersbury station.
Despite attempts by onlookers to alert the guard the train moved off, resulting in the student being dragged under the train.
As a consequence he lost fingers from his left hand and his left leg had to be amputated.
The High Court ruled this week that Silverlink must bear an equal responsibility for the accident, despite the student exhibiting "foolhardy behaviour".
Therefore, the student has been granted the right to claim a six-figure sum in compensation.
So far so reasonable.
Judge John Reddihough also ruled that the guard should have had an “openable” window in their carriage, to allow them to monitor platforms right up to the moment of departure.
The Fact Compiler wonders whether this judgement now makes such modifications mandatory? And if so whether the ROSCOs will be willing to pick up the bill, especially for MOLA fleets which DafT already claims are overpriced.
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