Steam train company suspended after running red light in Wiltshire

The Junction at Wootton Bassett Credit: Gov.UK

Network Rail has suspended a major steam train operator over safety fears after an engine and 13 carriages failed to stop at a signal in Wiltshire.

West Coast Railways was running the steam locomotive Tangmere, plus coaches, from Bristol to Southend last month when a Spad (signal passed at danger) incident happened at Wootton Bassett junction.

No-one was injured and the service did not derail but Network Rail said in a letter to the company that it was the most serious Spad this year.

The company runs services on the famous Settle-Carlisle route and runs successful scenic trips in the Scottish Highlands, as well as other routes.

Following an investigation, Network Rail has issued the operator with a set of safety concerns that the firm which is based in Carnforth, Lancashire, must address.

In the meantime it is suspended from operating on the rail network.

S.R. 'Battle of Britain' pacific No. 34067, 'Tangmere' Credit: .
A diagram of the layout of Wootton Bassett junction Credit: gov.uk

West Coast Railways assured customers that it was trying to get the suspension lifted.

On its Facebook page, it said: