Malcolm Potter
27 Feb 2014 · Coroner Belinda Cheney · Cambridgeshire (South & West)
A similar concern from this report was raised again 1 time later. See the linked reports.
The coroner's concerns
1. pedestrian crossing without awareness of approaching train
“The warning light for pedestrians is positioned before the gate through which the pedestrian passes before crossing the track. A red light is triggered by a train coming towards the crossing and turns green once it passes. The warning light system relates to individual trains and is not synchronised to take account of another train about to arrive. It is therefore possible for a pedestrian to see a red light turn green, and pass through the gate to cross the track oblivious to the light having”
2. insufficient warning of approaching train
“It is the view of British Transport Police that this death could have been prevented by positioning the light on the opposite side of the track. Pedestrians would then see that another train was coming even after they have passed through the gate. A horn or some similar noise was recommended as an additional safeguard as provided on other crossings.”
3. inappropriate crossing type for high traffic volume
“The type of crossing is more suited to a quiet rural line than a very busy commuter and freight line as this one is, running between London and Cambridge.”
4. risk of repeat accident
“While there have been no previous accidents there is nothing to prevent this accident reoccurring at any time.”
Linked reports
Closely relatedConfidence 0.80 · moderate
This report
“The warning light for pedestrians is positioned before the gate through which the pedestrian passes before crossing the track.”
Later report
“Evidence emerged during the inquest that the Wallows Lane level crossing is an unprotected crossing and there is no method of warning of an approaching train.”
Responses
No published response was found on judiciary.uk.