Train drivers’ union Aslef has called on East Coast Rail to scrap their shiny new uniforms — because the glare from the purple striped fabric makes it hard to see instrument gauges in their cabs.

In a report to the Office of Rail Regulation, which is responsible for safety on the railways, the union said: “During blue sky and direct sunlight conditions, the new-issue uniform shirt reflects onto driving cab instrument gauges, especially the speedometer, resulting in the driver being unable to read it.”

Government-owned East Coast Rail has fitted non-reflective film to gauges but the union warned that despite this at least one train driver has had to stop because of the glare problem.