Tram Disaster in Croydon: TfL and TOL Fined for Health and Safety Failings

Transport for London (TfL) and Tram Operations Limited (TOL) have been fined £10 million and £4 million, respectively, by the Old Bailey for their health and safety failings leading up to the tragic Croydon tram disaster.

The accident occurred on November 9, 2016, when a tram derailed near the Sandilands stop, resulting in the loss of seven lives and serious injuries to 21 other passengers.

Both companies have accepted their failure to fulfill their health and safety duties and faced sentencing at the Old Bailey.

Neglected Warnings and Disturbing Complacency:

Mr. Justice Fraser, presiding over the case, pointed out the failure to heed warnings about the risk of drivers becoming disorientated in the Sandiland tunnel network leading to the curve.

Furthermore, a report of a “near miss” just days before the crash was disregarded.

The judge highlighted the “complacency” surrounding the inadequate lighting and lack of visual cues in the tunnel, deeming it “disturbing.”

Tram Speed and Driver’s Defense:

According to evidence presented in court, tram 2551 was traveling at three times the 20kph speed limit when the derailment occurred on a sharp corner at Sandilands.

The driver, Alfred Dorris, aged 49, from Beckenham, south-east London, was cleared of failing in his duty.

He claimed he had become disorientated, mistakenly thinking he was heading in the opposite direction.

Dorris attributed the crash to external factors, including poor lighting and signage in the Sandilands tunnel complex.

Missed Opportunities and Over-Reliance on Humans:

The court was informed by Prosecutor Jonathan Ashley-Norman that there had been “missed opportunities” over the years to closely examine the Sandilands curve, but no action was taken.

The prosecution argued that there was an “over-reliance on fallible humans,” and tram drivers were let down by their employer, TOL, and by TfL.

Conclusion:

The tragic Croydon tram disaster resulted in the loss of lives and serious injuries, prompting the imposition of significant fines on TfL and TOL for their health and safety failings.

The court emphasized the importance of heeding warnings and addressing safety concerns to prevent future accidents and protect commuters’ lives.