The driver was also held partly to blame for his speed in low visibility conditions which would not allow him to observe the signals. The Inspector also noted that if the trains had been fitted with an automatic train control system, which had been recently trialled by the LMS in the London area, it would have prevented the collision in the fog.
The driver was partially culpable for his high speed in conditions of reduced visibility, which hindered his ability to detect signals. The Inspector also noted that if the trains had been equipped with an automated train control system, which had recently been tested by the LMS in London, it would have prevented the collision.