You've been shamed - train driver 'caught playing game'

AN investigation has been launched into photos which appear to show a driver playing a games console while in charge of a freight train travelling through Edinburgh.

The train, which was carrying a load of concrete, was pictured heading west out of the Capital just before 8am on Wednesday.

The driver, who is alone in the cab, also appears to have one foot resting on the dashboard. Train firm EWS today said it had launched a full investigation into the pictures and said "appropriate action" would be taken.

The images were captured by an Edinburgh-based amateur photographer, who was testing out a new camera while standing on the platform at Wester Hailes Station.

The man, who asked not to be named, estimated the train was travelling at around 30mph as it passed him.

It was not until he later went to edit his pictures that he realised the images showed the driver had what looked like a Sony PlayStation Portable in his hands.

The amateur photographer explained: "I am out most mornings because it is the best time of day to get pictures. I had made my way along the Union Canal and then went to the station because I wanted to get a train back into town.

"I just thought I'd take a picture of the train as it looked good with the sun coming up in the background – I must have taken about ten pictures as he passed, but as far as I know he never looked up.

"It was only when I was at home that night and I went to edit my pictures from the day that I noticed it.

"At first I thought he was taking a picture of me and then I noticed it was a PSP – I recognised it because I have one myself. I was pretty shocked."

An EWS spokesman today said it was conducting a probe. The spokesman said: "We thank the Edinburgh Evening News for bringing this issue to our attention.

"We have commenced an investigation to establish the circumstances around this matter, and appropriate action will be taken as a result of this complete review of the circumstances."

In 1999, a Virgin Trains driver was photographed allegedly reading a newspaper while in charge of a high-speed train on a Newcastle to Plymouth cross-country service.

The man, who was suspended but later returned to work, was caught on film as his train left Chesterfield station at a speed of at least 40mph and carrying about 200 passengers.

EWS, which was formed in 1996 following the privatisation of British Rail's freight divisions, runs around two-thirds of Britain's rail cargo – around 1000 trains a day.

In Scotland, EWS also operates freight trains hauling commodities including coal, china clay, containers, pipes and metal.