Expert Personal Injury Lawyers Irwin Mitchell Represent Those Injured In The November 9 Derailment

Expert lawyers acting for Croydon tram crash survivors are calling for an urgent review of safety measures after a BBC investigation found at least three trams have been recorded speeding on the same line since the fatal derailment last year.

One was travelling at 40mph in a 25mph zone. Another is understood to have been speeding near the crash site, according to the Victoria Derbyshire programme.

The BBC also reported that four current and former drivers admitted they have fallen asleep while driving a tram and that a safety device, known as "a dead man's handle", failed to activate and stop the vehicle.

Additional speed restrictions and signage have been introduced following the accident.

A RAIB interim report into the crash said: “The late application of the brakes, and the absence of emergency braking, suggests that the driver had lost awareness that he was approaching the tight, left-hand curve".

On board data shows that there was no emergency braking and the tram had been travelling at 46mph before it crashed in a 13mph zone, near the Sandilands Junction area of Croydon.

Investigators will determine whether lives could have been saved if the tram had been fitted with shatterproof safety glass - a requirement on all passenger trains.

This comes after, of the seven passengers who were killed, just one was found inside the tram.

The tram's driver was arrested at the scene and questioned on suspicion of manslaughter. He has been bailed until next month.

The RAIB is expected to issue a full accident report later this year.

Expert Opinion

“The impact of the crash has been devastating for our clients, most of whom are still coming to terms with the psychological impact of the collision, as well as their physical injuries.

“What they desire more than anything is that action be taken to improve public safety and ensure this cannot happen again.

“The BBC’s findings are extremely worrying and we would encourage TfL and Tram Operations Ltd to launch an urgent review and take necessary action.

“In time we will all be privy to the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s findings as to the cause of last year’s tragedy, but it’s vital that everything is done in the interim to keep the public safe.” Glen Edney - Partner