THE driver of a steam-hauled charter train who turned off a safety system and almost caused a major collision with a high speed intercity train has been given a jail sentence by Swindon Crown Court.
Melvyn Cox was driving the train at Wootton Bassett Junction near Swindon in March last year. It overran a red signal by almost 700m and came to rest fouling the main Great Western line, only moments after an Intercity 125 express had passed.
He pleaded guilty to health and safety charges in connection with the incident, and was given a four month sentence, suspended for 18 months.
The court heard that he had directed a colleague to turn off the Train Protection and Warning System, which would have stopped the train.
His employers, West Coast Railway Company Limited, also pleaded guilty and were fined £200,000, plus costs of £64,000.
The ORR said its inspectors had uncovered 'significant failings in WCRC’s managerial controls'.
HM chief inspector of railways Ian Prosser 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 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.”