Sleeping train driver's near collision

The signals at Derby are difficult for drivers to see

A train driver misread a signal at Derby station after falling asleep at his controls

The driver of the EWS coal train, who had a history of sleep problems, woke up briefly and mistakenly thought that a proceed signal applied to his own train.

A report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), released on Friday, stated the freight locomotive almost collided with a passenger train as a result.

The incident, which occurred on 22 January this year, has also raised questions about the visibility of signals at Derby station.

'Side-on collision'

HSE inspectors heard the driver woke up briefly in his cab and saw a proceed signal.

However, it was meant for a passenger train on an adjoining platform.

The freight driver realised his mistake and brought his train to a halt, but the report said: "a low speed, side-on collision could have resulted".

It added: "The investigation has revealed the driver had a known problem with sleeping and had been subject to poor rostering practice by EWS."

Fewer incidents

Railtrack has been asked to look at the positioning of signals at the station with a view to improving drivers' sightlines.

The report came in the latest HSE bulletin on signals passed at danger (SPADs).

The HSE said there were 35 SPADs in May 2002, 21 less than in May 2001 and 12 fewer than the average figure for May over the last six years.