A train driver sped through a 5mph zone at 75mph at Queen's Park after he missed three different warnings of the restriction, an investigation has found.

The London Midland train, carrying 2,000 passengers, missed the emergency speed restriction which had been imposed due to a track defect.

An investigation by the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found the driver manager driving the train misunderstood an email giving details of the restriction.

He also read a notice that gave a warning but did not realise it applied to his service, and also missed warning signs at the side of the line.

Driver assessor missed the error

The incident happened at around 8.28am on January 5 on the service travelling from Bletchley to London Euston.

A driver manager was driving the train and was being assessed by another driver manager at the time, who missed the driver's error because he did not know about the restriction.

The report said: "The driver read the email sent at 5.27am, which gave formal notification of the emergency speed restriction.

"The words 'up slow' did not catch the driver's attention."

It added the driver read another notice but did not believe it related to his train.

Fortunately no one was injured in the incident and no further damage was caused to the track.

The RAIB has made three recommendations to London Midland in its investigation report published on Thursday (October 6).

'Improve safety critical information'

Recommendations include London Midland reviewing and improving competence management of driver managers, improving communication of safety critical information and ensuring staff can quickly identify who is driving a train.

"Learning points" were also highlighted by the RAIB, which included using unambiguous language for safety information and that assessors prepare themselves as if they were driving the train.

Getwestlondon has approached London Midland for comment.