The UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has published draft recommendations for UK tram operators in its latest update following the Sandilands crash on the London Tramlink network on 9 November 2016 that saw seven fatalities. A full report is expected later this year.
The RAIB says it is has written to Transport for London, operator Tram Operations Ltd, trade body UKTram and all UK operators to formally confirm the areas its recommendations are expected to cover. These are likely to be:
• Provision of active tram protection to prevent serious accidents due to excessive speed at high-risk locations
• Research into active means of detecting the attention state of drivers, and intervening in the event of inattention
• Improved containment of passengers by tram windows and doors
• Setting up of an industry body to facilitate more effective co-operation between UK owners and operators on matters related to safety performance and the development of common standards
The RAIB has added that its investigation into how TOL manages fatigue risk may result in a recommendation, and a recommendation to the industry may be made on the improvement of onboard CCTV. The independent safety agency says there may be further safety management and regulatory recommendations; its report is separate to any investigation by the British Transport Police or the Office of Rail and Road.