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Glasgow bin lorry crash inquiry: expert 'could reach handbrake' from back seat Glasgow bin lorry crash inquiry: expert 'could reach handbrake' from back seat
(about 11 hours later)
An inquiry into the Glasgow bin lorry crash that killed six people has heard evidence from an expert who said he was able to reach the handbrake from the vehicle’s rear seat. An inquiry into the Glasgow bin lorry crash that killed six people has heard evidence from an expert who said he was able to reach the handbrake from the vehicle’s rear seat during post-accident tests.
Phil Balderstone, from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), carried out tests inside the Glasgow council vehicle to see if anything could have been done to halt it when the driver apparently fell unconscious.Phil Balderstone, from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), carried out tests inside the Glasgow council vehicle to see if anything could have been done to halt it when the driver apparently fell unconscious.
The 46-year-old told an inquiry into the 22 December tragedy that he was able to reach across and pull the handbrake from the passenger bench behind the driver’s seat.The 46-year-old told an inquiry into the 22 December tragedy that he was able to reach across and pull the handbrake from the passenger bench behind the driver’s seat.
A photograph of the vehicle examiner stretching over a yellow safety bar towards the controls was shown on the third day of evidence in the fatal accident inquiry at Glasgow sheriff court on Friday.A photograph of the vehicle examiner stretching over a yellow safety bar towards the controls was shown on the third day of evidence in the fatal accident inquiry at Glasgow sheriff court on Friday.
Balderstone said he was able to apply the handbrake lever “comfortably” while standing on the bench without a seat belt on.Balderstone said he was able to apply the handbrake lever “comfortably” while standing on the bench without a seat belt on.
Related: Glasgow bin lorry inquiry: crew member describes screaming at driverRelated: Glasgow bin lorry inquiry: crew member describes screaming at driver
His report stated that the ability to engage the lever would depend on a person’s size, dexterity and mobility.His report stated that the ability to engage the lever would depend on a person’s size, dexterity and mobility.
He said: “For myself, it was quite easy to lean forward over the top of the barrier and apply the brake.He said: “For myself, it was quite easy to lean forward over the top of the barrier and apply the brake.
“For someone else it depends how close they can get to the barrier, the length of their arms, their ability to lean over the top of the barrier, or, as an alternative, to go under the barrier.”“For someone else it depends how close they can get to the barrier, the length of their arms, their ability to lean over the top of the barrier, or, as an alternative, to go under the barrier.”
He agreed with the solicitor general, Lesley Thomson, who is leading the inquiry, that it might become more difficult for someone shorter or fatter.He agreed with the solicitor general, Lesley Thomson, who is leading the inquiry, that it might become more difficult for someone shorter or fatter.
Earlier this week the inquiry heard harrowing testimony from one of two backseat crew on the lorry, Matthew Telford, who said he could not have reached the steering wheel or the handbrake from his position in the back of the cab after the driver, Harry Clarke, passed out unconscious at the wheel.Earlier this week the inquiry heard harrowing testimony from one of two backseat crew on the lorry, Matthew Telford, who said he could not have reached the steering wheel or the handbrake from his position in the back of the cab after the driver, Harry Clarke, passed out unconscious at the wheel.
He said the crew had no training in what to do if the driver fell ill at the wheel, nor did he have any knowledge of the lorry’s controls.He said the crew had no training in what to do if the driver fell ill at the wheel, nor did he have any knowledge of the lorry’s controls.