Landmark year ahead as LRSSB leads on light rail safety

Already established as the driving force behind improvements to tramway safety, the organisation is now well set to lead a new era of risk reduction on networks across the UK.

In a New Year message to the sector, its Chief Executive, Carl Williams, said that plans are in place to further strengthen its expert team while forging new partnerships with key stakeholders.

“2024 promises to be one of the most important years in the history of the organisation as we look towards even closer collaboration with statutory bodies and sector professionals,” he explained.

“In the closing weeks of 2023, we entered a landmark agreement with the Office of Rail and Road by signing a Memorandum of Understanding that will see us working hand-in-hand with the regulator on cross-industry health and safety initiatives and specialist policy topics.

“Representing a huge vote of confidence in the LRSSB by the regulator, the MoU also outlined how we collaborate on research into new technology while collaborating on the continued development of our pioneering Tram Accident and Incident Reporting system.

“In the year ahead, the sector can expect to see ongoing enhancements to TAIR, alongside the completion of a series of high-profile projects, including the re-issue of a fully updated Tramway Principles and Guidance document. We will also continue to review and update guidance covering specific topics and publish new advice as appropriate.

“All this will take place alongside the ongoing development of advanced risk modelling for both individual networks and sector-wide, and this data-driven approach will also see us leading on wider campaigns targeting specific safety concerns, such as the behaviour of pedestrians in areas near tram tracks.

“Over coming months, we’re also committed to a renewed focus on stakeholder engagement, and we’re looking forward to more meetings with colleagues from across the sector to discuss their concerns and aspirations. Together, we can work towards even safer networks for both customers and employees.

“As we return to work following the festive season, I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes for the New Year to colleagues and partners from across the sector and look forward to providing further updates on our vital work in the months ahead!”