‘Y14’ UNDAMAgED IN SHERINgHAM CROSSINg COllISION – CAR NOT SO lUCKY
A car collided with unique GER ‘Y14’ No. 564 at a level crossing near Sheringham, on the North Norfolk Railway, on November 17.
Neither the footplate crew nor the driver of the Mercedes involved in the crash were hurt when the Worsdell 0-6-0 collided with the car on the crossing over Sweetbriar Lane, a private road which leads to Sheringham Golf Club. The locomotive was travelling light engine, tender-first from Weybourne to Sheringham to collect the stock for that day’s dining train when the collision occurred at approximately 11.20am as the driver was heading towards the golf club.
The ‘Y14’ was unscathed in the accident, but the Mercedes suffered significant damage, and the railway remained closed until 3pm, disrupting that day’s DMU service and forcing the dining train to remain in the platform at Sheringham with the diners eating on board.
According to NNR General Manager Andrew Munden, the locomotive was travelling at 6-8mph at the time of the collision, as it was slowing down for a signal at danger on the other side of the crossing; the speed limit over the crossing – which is fitted with lights and sirens but no barriers – is 10mph.
While both the lights and sirens were in working order, eyewitness reports suggest the motorist ignored both the visual and audible warnings and continued onto the crossing.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is not investigating the collision, saying: “On the basis of independent eyewitness evidence that the crossing was in proper working order and that the driver chose to ignore both the sirens and flashing lights, the RAIB has decided not to investigate the incident.”