£200k fine following West Coast steam train ‘near miss’

Melvyn Cox, a train driver with 40 years’ experience, has also received a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and has been ordered to do 80 hours of unpaid work.

ORR investigated the incident, which involved a steam locomotive operated by WCRC between Bristol and Southall,  passing a signal at danger near Wootton Bassett junction in Wiltshire. The train stopped almost 700 metres after the signal, across a busy junction on the Great Western main line.

ORR inspectors found significant failings in WCRC’s managerial controls. The company had not implemented appropriate procedures, training or monitoring of staff to stop intentional misuse of the Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) equipment.

ORR’s evidence showed the train’s driver, Melvyn Cox, directed a colleague to turn off this essential safety system, designed to automatically apply an emergency brake.

WCRC and Melvyn Cox both pleaded Guilty at Swindon Crown Court. The company was fined £200,000 and ordered to pay costs of £64,000.

Ian Prosser, HM Chief Inspector of Railways said: “Train operating companies and their drivers hold positions of great responsibility, with a duty to protect the safety of colleagues and passengers. Almost all undertake their roles in accordance with the rules and their training.

“West Coast Railway Company’s (WCRC) ineffective management led to their train driver deliberately misusing a key safety system on a train travelling between Bristol and Southall.

“This prosecution has led to WCRC taking significant steps to improve its management of safety, with support from the regulator.

“Rail safety remains one of the regulator’s key priorities and we will always take action against companies or individuals if failings are found.”