Railtrack plc

Cullen Report, Railtrack response
_______________________________________________________________

date 19 June 2001
source Railtrack plc
type Press release

Tuesday 19 June 2001
Released: 19 June 2001

Railtrack today described the publication of Lord Cullen’s report into the tragedy at Ladbroke Grove as a further step towards delivering a safer railway.

Railtrack’s Director of Safety & Environment, Chris Leah, said: “Ladbroke Grove left an indelible mark on the industry and led us all to take a hard look at rail safety.

“Much work has been done since the accident to make the railways even safer. Over the past two years Railtrack, and the industry as a whole, has moved ahead with new initiatives and new practices in light of lessons already learnt from the internal rail industry inquiry. Initiatives have included the accelerated installation of TPWS, actions taken to improve multi-spad signals, improved driver training and the use of new driver training simulators, and the formation of the National Safety Task Force, have all helped to improve safety still further.

“The actions taken have already led to real improvements in safety with signals passed at danger at an all time low last year. Human endeavours have taken us as far as possible on this important issue and new technology, including TPWS, will help to reduce the risks from SPADs to an even lower level.”

“Lord Cullen’s report marks an important step for the whole industry. He has published his findings and we now need to take them away, analyse them and look for the best way to implement any changes necessary to deliver an even safer railway.

“We will never forget Ladbroke Grove and the challenge for the industry is to ensure the lessons of that tragedy are taken on board.”

- ends -

ENDS.

Railhub Archive ::: 2001-06-19 RTK-001