RO-1993-128

On 23 December 1993 as Train 573 approached the London Street level crossing near Eltham the crossing alarms did not activate until the train was very close to the roadway. The Locomotive Engineer reported the incident as an alarm malfunction, but the investigation revealed that the alarms should have been reset manually after a train crossing at nearby Eltham Yard. The safety issues identified in this investigation were a deficiency in the route familiarisation certification of Locomotive Engineers, and an incorrect instruction in the Working Timetable, and a deficient safety culture among operating staff.