A Croydon MP has condemned the decision by tram drivers to strike over new safety devices.
A final report by The Rail Accident Investigation Board which will aim to help prevent future tragedies such as the Croydon tram crash in 2016 that killed seven people is nearing completion.
Now Croydon South MP Chris Philp has said the decision by tram drivers to strike in opposition of the vehicles being monitored is "selfish"
“The RAIB has stated that it recommends research into ways of detecting when tram drivers are not paying attention," he said.
"Given that last year’s tragedy was likely the result of a driver who had 'lost awareness' when speeding around a sharp bend, this measure could go a long way to preventing a similar tragedy from happening in the future.
“The driver’s union Aslef however has decided to strike in opposition to drivers’ cabs being monitored.
"I totally condemn this decision, which flies in the face of a report from an independent safety body.
"Aslef should urgently reconsider this ill-thought out and selfish decision. The tram drivers should be putting their passengers’ safety first rather than deciding to strike over something that could save lives.”
The RAIB said recommendations likely to be featured in the document include:
Introduction of a system to prevent serious accidents due to excessive speed at high-risk locations
Researching how the attention state of drivers can be detected
Improving containment of passengers by tram windows and doors
Creation of an industry body to facilitate more effective cooperation between tram networks and operators on safety issues
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