22 Sept 2026
Representatives from the UK’s modern light rail systems recently joined a wide range of sector stakeholders to discuss advances in tramway safety since the Sandilands tragedy.
Ahead of the tenth anniversary of the accident, a workshop organised by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board provided a platform for discussions on the implementation of recommendations made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB).
Craig O’Brien, Head of Engineering Safety and Innovation at the LRSSB, explained: “The well-attended workshop enabled an open and constructive exchange of experiences, and the lessons learned since publication of the RAIB report on the derailment.
“It also included detailed discussions focused on driver vigilance and fatigue, overspeed protection, emerging technologies and the evidence available to demonstrate that existing controls remain effective and proportionate.”
The insight gathered from the workshop will now inform LRSSB’s review of LRG 17.0 and LRG 18.0 documents, helping determine whether the guidance remains fit for purpose or requires updating to reflect current practice and the sector’s evolving understanding of risk.