A London Overground driver was distracted by their mobile phone when they departed from Norwood Junction station with a portable ramp for disabled passengers still attached to the train, according to a report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB). The incident occurred on July 1 last year on the 9:46 am service from West Croydon to Highbury and Islington.
Incident Details
The ramp had been deployed to assist a disabled passenger using a mobility scooter to board. However, before the passenger could board, the doors closed and the train left the station with the ramp still attached. The ramp traveled along the platform, forcing a passenger and a staff member to move out of the way, before striking an end-of-platform barrier and falling beside the track. No injuries were reported.
RAIB investigators stated that there was a high risk the ramp could have injured someone or collided with platform furniture. The driver initially claimed their mobile phone was switched off and stored in their bag, but phone records obtained by RAIB showed the device was on throughout the shift, with five calls made or received while driving various trains. The last call covered the journey of train 9D18 from West Croydon, including the stop at Norwood Junction when the incident occurred.
Findings on Mobile Phone Use
RAIB noted that mobile phone use can reduce situational awareness, slow reaction times, and impair hazard perception. Investigators concluded that the driver's mobile phone use likely distracted them from the task of driving during the dispatch from Norwood Junction. The driver believed it was safe to depart because the doors had closed and traction power was applied.
The report also found that the wrong type of ramp was in use, which allowed the doors to close and traction power to be applied despite the ramp being attached. The correct ramp had not been available at Norwood Junction since September 2021, and checks failed to identify the problem.
Safety Recommendations
RAIB has issued six safety recommendations, including better management of portable access ramps and addressing the risks of train drivers using mobile phones. The incident highlights the dangers of distraction and equipment mismanagement in railway operations.
