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Croydon tram 'at nearly four times the speed limit' before fatal crash Croydon tram 'at nearly four times speed limit' before fatal crash
(35 minutes later)
An investigation into the Croydon tram crash has revealed that the vehicle was speeding faster than originally thought – but has also shown that the speed limit restriction sign would only have been visible long after a driver would need to apply the brakes.An investigation into the Croydon tram crash has revealed that the vehicle was speeding faster than originally thought – but has also shown that the speed limit restriction sign would only have been visible long after a driver would need to apply the brakes.
Seven people were killed and 51 were injured when the south London Tramlink tram came off the rails on a sharp curve on 9 November last year. Seven people were killed and 51 injured when the south London Tramlink tram came off the rails on a sharp curve on 9 November last year.
The tram was travelling at almost four times the speed limit, investigators now believe, at 46mph (not 43mph) in a 12mph zone, having braked too late from 49mph in a tunnel before the curve.The tram was travelling at almost four times the speed limit, investigators now believe, at 46mph (not 43mph) in a 12mph zone, having braked too late from 49mph in a tunnel before the curve.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released its second interim report as its inquiries continue.The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has released its second interim report as its inquiries continue.
In the latest report, the RAIB highlights that the speed limit sign would only be visible to drivers at a distance of between 60 metres to 90 metres away, with headlights on. The tram was running in the hours of darkness in early morning, with heavy rain falling. In the latest report, the RAIB highlights that the speed limit sign would be visible to drivers only at a distance of between 60 metres to 90 metres away, with headlights on. The tram was running in darkness in early morning amid heavy rain.
The report states that trams running at the normal permitted speed would require a 180 metre braking distance to slow enough to meet the speed restriction on the curve. It says: “The point at which the curve can be sighted and the sign becomes readable in clear conditions is therefore about 90-120 metres beyond the point at which a full service brake application must start in order to reduce speed from 80 km/h to 20 km/h [50mph to 12.5mph].” The report states that trams running at the normal permitted speed would require a 180-metre braking distance to slow enough to meet the speed restriction on the curve.
It says: “The point at which the curve can be sighted and the sign becomes readable in clear conditions is therefore about 90-120 metres beyond the point at which a full service brake application must start in order to reduce speed from 80 km/h to 20 km/h [50mph to 12.5mph].”
Drivers are expected to be aware of the speed restrictions through training and knowledge of the route.Drivers are expected to be aware of the speed restrictions through training and knowledge of the route.
The driver of the tram was arrested and bailed on suspicion of manslaughter in the days after the crash. The driver of the tram was arrested and bailed on suspicion of manslaughter days after the crash.
Mike Brown, London’s transport commissioner, said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragic tram derailment and we continue to do all we can to offer our support. We continue to work with the RAIB and will take on board all recommendations from this and other investigations, including our own, that are under way.” Mike Brown, London’s transport commissioner, said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the tragic tram derailment and we continue to do all we can to offer our support.
Transport for London put in additional speed restrictions and more signs near the crash site and at three other locations on the tram network in November. “We continue to work with the RAIB and will take on board all recommendations from this and other investigations, including our own, that are under way.”
Transport for London installed additional speed restrictions and signs near the crash site and at three locations on the tram network in November.