Updated modelling by the LRSSB has shown that the overall accident risk on UK tramways has fallen by more than a quarter over the past three years. The new modelling has revealed there have been enhancements across the board, with the greatest gains coming from measures to mitigate against incidents involving third parties, including both pedestrians and other road users.
Laura Lee, Head of Safety Risk Management at the LRSSB, said: “While these incidents still represent the biggest risk factor on tramways, the results of this three-year review of individual network risk models reflect a commitment by the sector to continual safety improvements.
“Across the board, we have seen enhancements thanks to the adoption of overspeed and driver vigilance systems, installation of track bed under-run protection, the expanded use of advanced simulators during training, and a host of other initiatives targeted at pedestrian awareness, security and strengthened asset management.
“As a result, we’ve seen an overall reduction in the sector’s total collective risk of 27 per cent since the models were last reviewed in 2023. However, we can never be complacent, and we will continue to work with partners across the sector to ensure further risk reductions.”
This new modelling has been driven by improved data collection. This includes the LRSSB’s enhanced Tramway Accident and Incident Reporting (TAIR) system and was revealed during a major industry event which took place in Nottingham.
The UK Light Rail Conference also heard how the LRSSB has introduced a new governance structure as it moves towards greater independence.
Carl Williams, LRSSB Chief Executive, said: “The conference provided us with the ideal opportunity to highlight the advances in ensuring continuous improvement in safety standards across light rail, and how we are stepping up our support for the sector as it continues to evolve.
“This includes restructuring of our board to provide more direct accountability to the sector, in line with a new working relationship with the trade body UKTram that was announced earlier this year and comes into force today.
“Over the next few months, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with other key stakeholders while strengthening sector board representation ahead of our AGM in December.”