BRAND-NEW trains could be left in the sidings unless their windscreens are modified, drivers’ union Aslef has warned.

The Class 385 trains are due to enter service on the newly electrified Glasgow to Edinburgh route next month.

But Aslef said a “fish bowl” effect on the trains’ windscreens mean they see signals in double or triple at night.

Drivers reported the problem on a recent evening test run travelling between Glasgow Central and Paisley Gilmour Street.

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay said yesterday: “The effect of the squashed window means that the window is giving the impression that drivers are looking through a fish bowl to view signals

“I have advised the company that if this problem is not resolved to our satisfaction then we will inform our members that the trains are not safe to drive in the dark.”

Mr Lindsay said ScotRail had “failed” to get manufacturer Hitachi to resolve the problem, and called on Holyrood’s Transport Minister Humza Yousaf to intervene.

A Transport Scotland spokeswoman said: “The whole purpose of testing is to flush out potential issues.

“Drivers’ input‎ into that process is vital, having had that feedback it’s imperative Hitachi and ScotRail work towards a solution.

“This means the Class 385s will only be brought into passenger service once this has been achieved and these trains are approved by the independent Office of Rail and Road.”

A ScotRail spokesman added: “We test lots of elements of the train before it enters passenger service.

“The windscreen is just one element of our rigorous testing regime ahead of the introduction of our brand new trains.”