Dear Editor:
The public doing tank car inspections from the trackside in New Westminster seem to be doing it out of fear. Those terrifying tank car wrecks we have seen on the news may happen here. The flashing flames exploding like ballistic bombs from ruptured tanks are out of control and we cannot contain the cremating contents. It sounds like a 911 call is needed in case it happens. Who can risk this act of terror that time has scheduled for? The railways, of course.
The railways are not terrorists, with rules and regulations now under review by Transport Canada and its affiliates from coast to coast. However, that is the reason they pass theirrecommendations to the railways to release themselves and railways from making legislation. The polititions can waive any prohibition legislation that would stop tank cars and the energy products they carry from a catastrophe. The railways choose the reccomendations they want, or none at all if the revenue cannot roll. Railway law is left to their association, and all must agree or it becomes the track gauge fight where different widths of track stop the continuity of trains. Going into this century, there are less railways and track mielage now, so that should be a safety solution.
The complaint of noisy car switching and blaring horns is sometimes a horrendous reminder of railway wrecks in other places that could happen here. There is no logical reason why New Westminster would be an exception to this railway practice.
Bryan Vogler, by email
