Prior to the "stop" signal at the Dalehurst control point, a double-aspect approach signal was sited east of Dalehurst indicating the upcoming stop signal. This signal, showing yellow over red, indicated to a train crew they needed to reduce their train's speed to and be prepared to stop at Dalehurst. However, as the freight train passed this advanced warning signal, the crash investigation found that the train was traveling at ; faster than the speed limit for this stretch of track. No attempt was made by the crew of the freight train to slow down before or after passing the approach signal.