The derogation for the EMR HST sets to remain in traffic will specify the routes they are permitted to operate on, so operation on the GWML would be impossible without a new or amended derogation.
Got told last night that East Midlands Railway are withdrawing the HSTs earlier then expected because of that very problem with idiots hanging out the windows.
Some high profile BTP patrols with those found ignoring the rules fined, ejected from the train and made a public example of would soon have an effect.
Disruption is going to go on for much longer than next week!
Worst case possibly 5 years, best maybe 2. All units will have to be repaired eventually. The disruption levels will depend on how many have to be withdrawn in the early stages before it's established what level of damage can be accepted to continue in service. One failure in service and it may well go to 5 years! Caution necessary for several weeks at least to ensure that doesn't happen.
5 years of potential disruptions worst case if a damaged unit ran and had a catastrophic failure in service causing all to be withdrawn. Whether new units were ordered or not the level of disruption would be greater if every unit had to be repaired before return to service. Going cautiously now to ensure the problem is fully understood and corrected is the right way to go.
