The operator of the Jacobite steam train has lost a High Court challenge against a rail regulator over the safety of doors on its carriages.
West Coast Railway (WCR) challenged a decision by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to revoke an exemption which allows heritage trains to run on the main network even though they are not fitted with full central locking swing doors.
They said that converting its coaching fleet to full central locking would cost £7 million which would take almost 10 years to repay and the business would cease to be a going concern.
But in a ruling, a judge dismissed the operator’s case and concluded that the ORR had taken a “justifiable” approach.
Councillor Angus MacDonald called the ruling an absolute “a nightmare”.
“The Jacobite is a crucial contributor to the Fort William and Mallaig economy,” he said.
“Visitors from all over the world come to Lochaber to travel on and admire our train.
“This is an absolute tragedy. So many people will be hugely disappointed and appalled with this decision.
“What next, handrails for walkers up Ben Nevis and all swimmers required to wear life jackets?”
The operator currently has an exemption in place until February 29, 2024 which permits them to use a modified system which includes stewards in each coach who bolt the doors individually using secondary door locking.
West Coast pointed out safety is its priority and there have been no accidents caused by its present door locking system.