Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Malcolm Potter

Ref: 2014-0082 Date: 27 Feb 2014 Coroner: Belinda Cheney Area: Cambridgeshire (South & West) Responses identified: 0 / 1 View PDF

The pedestrian crossing's warning light system is inadequately positioned and not synchronized for multiple trains, creating a significant re-crossing risk on a busy commuter line.

Date 27 Feb 2014

56-day deadline 24 Apr 2014 est.

Responses identified 0 of 1

Railway related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary

The pedestrian crossing's warning light system is inadequately positioned and not synchronized for multiple trains, creating a significant re-crossing risk on a busy commuter line.

View full coroner's concerns

_ (1) The warning light for pedestrians is positioned before the gate through which the pedestrian passes before crossing the track Ared light is triggered bY a train coming_ aged towards the crossing and turns green once it passes The warning light system relates to individual trains and is not synchronised to take account of another train about to arrive_ It is therefore possible for a pedestrian to see a red light turn green, and pass through the gate to cross the track oblivious to the light having turned red again due to an approaching train_ (2) It is the view of British Transport Police that this death could have been prevented by positioning the light on the opposite side of the track_ Pedestrians would then see that another train was coming even after have passed through the gate. A horn or some similar noise was recommended as an additional safeguard as provided on other crossings (3) The type of crossing is more suited to a quiet rural line than a very commuter and freight line as this one is, running between London and Cambridge.

(4) While there have been no previous accidents there is nothing to prevent this accident reoccurring at any time_

Report sections

Investigation and inquest

On 9 October 2013 commenced an investigation into the death of Malcolm James Ernest Potter 76 years The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 6 February 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was that: The medical cause of death was: 1(a) Multiple injuries predominantly neck fracture 2 Diabetes mellitus, coronary artery atherosclerosis, hypertension Narrative Conclusion: On 3rd October 2013 Mr Potter took his regular walk across the Dernford Crossing, "a user-worked crossing' After the South bound train passed Mr. Potter proceeded to cross but was struck by a North bound train at around 0920hrs_ He had no opportunity to see the light change from red when triggered by the arrival of the North bound train: This was due to configuration of the crossing: Life was pronounced extinct at 0948hrs

Circumstances of the death

Mr Potter was a regular walker in his local area On 3.10.13 he approached the Dernford railway crossing while out walking_ He waited for a south bound train t0 pass then he crossed the track and was struck by a north bound train which he did not apparently see or hear,

Action should be taken

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and believe National Rail has the power to take such action.

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Report details

Reference: 2014-0082
Date of report: 27 February 2014
Coroner: Belinda Cheney
Coroner area: Cambridgeshire (South & West)

Responses identified

Responses identified 0 of 1

1 response not yet linked

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 24 Apr 2014 (estimated).

Sent to

Network Rail

Source links

Judiciary.uk page → Report PDF →

Data: judiciary.uk under OGL.