THREE recommendations covering shift planning at DB Cargo's Westbury depot have been made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) following an investigation.

The investigation found that last year two separate freight trains both operated by the company, running from Acton to Westbury, went through red lights because drivers were too tired.

RAIB has also made a recommendation for fatigue management within the freight sector and identification of fatigue risk through data analysis.

The first incident happened on March 28 2015 when a driver went through a red light to the west of Reading station while the second was on November 3 2015 at the Ruscombe Junction in Berkshire.

The investigation identified underlying factors associated with supervision and management at the drivers’ home depot in Westbury, and with the general approach to the management of fatigue within the company.

Lee Bayliss, Head of Safety and Risk at DB Cargo, said: "Fatigue is an issue we take very seriously and we have implemented robust processes and policies to manage it.

"This includes establishing a Fatigue Working Group to integrate best practice from the Office of Rail Regulators and the Railway Safety Standards Board in order to continually improve procedures and standards.

"Our aim is to ensure we have an engaged, responsible and safe workforce. The ability for all colleagues to openly report issues of fatigue is fundamental in constantly identifying improvements to safety standards.

"Therefore, this year we introduced a new, confidential Fatigue Report Form.

"We are also working closely with the RSSB, Network Rail, other train operating companies and the trade unions on a number of fatigue projects.

"Work has been completed to amend rostering patterns at Westbury and these lessons are being cascaded to our other train crew depots. A review of rest facilities at Acton has taken place and new facilities have been installed."