RAIB probes Fletton Junction speeding

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is examining why a Newcastle to London King’s Cross train passed over Fletton Junction (Peterborough) at 1710 on September 11 at more than twice the permitted speed of 25mph.

The 1425 Newcastle-King’s Cross, led by a Driving Van Trailer with nine coaches and a Class 91 at the rear, was running around 20 minutes late and stopped at Peterborough Platform 1 to allow another train to overtake on the Up Fast line. It then ran on the Up Slow line for a mile to Fletton Junction, where the Up Slow merges with the Up Fast line. 

As the signaller cleared the route through Fletton Junction the train accelerated, reaching 52mph as it ran over the points. Although it did not derail, the motion of the train caused minor injuries to two traincrew members and one passenger. 

RAIB will investigate the actions of the driver, route knowledge and route risk assessments for the Up Slow line between Peterborough station and Fletton Junction, and the layout and design of signalling equipment and speed restrictions on that section of track.