Expert Tells Bin Lorry Crash Probe Able To Reach Handbrake

An inquiry into a bin lorry crash that killed six people has heard evidence from an expert who examined the truck.

Phil Balderstone, from the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), carried out tests inside the Glasgow council vehicle to see if anything could have been done to halt it when the driver apparently fell unconscious.

The 46-year-old told an inquiry into the December 22 tragedy that he was able to reach across and pull the handbrake from the passenger bench behind the driver's seat.

A photograph of the vehicle examiner stretching over a yellow safety bar towards the controls was shown on the third day of evidence in the fatal accident inquiry at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Mr Balderstone said he was able to apply the handbrake lever "comfortably'' while standing on the bench without a seat belt on.

His report stated that the ability to engage the lever would depend on a person's size, dexterity and mobility.

He said: "For myself, it was quite easy to lean forward over the top of the barrier and apply the brake.

"For someone else it depends how close they can get to the barrier, the length of their arms, their ability to lean over the top of the barrier, or, as an alternative, to go under the barrier.''

He agreed with Solicitor General Lesley Thomson, leading the inquiry, that it might become more difficult for someone shorter or fatter.