Rail industry safety partnership recognised at industry awards

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A successful and unique approach taken by train operator East Midlands Trains in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) to reduce level crossing incidents was recognised at the National Rail Awards.

The industry-leading scheme picked up this year’s award for Safety, beating off competition from other safety initiatives across the UK rail network.

The judges praised East Midlands Trains for its initiative in taking action to reduce level crossing incidents and work with the British Transport Police and Network Rail to educate the public about crossing misuse.

Mark Steward, Safety & Operations Director for East Midlands Trains, said:

“With over 800 levels crossings on our network, we wanted to take a proactive approach in trying to reduce any level crossing incidents and also help to educate the public on how to safely use these crossings.

“Whilst the level crossings are ultimately the responsibility of Network Rail, we wanted to get involved and help to play our part in managing this problem.

“By actively involving our drivers, we have gained first-hand knowledge and ideas which have helped us to understand how to tackle the issue on our own route, and for Network Rail to pass onto other rail networks across the UK.

“We are extremely pleased that this collaborative approach has been a success and are very proud to be recognised for our focus on safety, which is such a crucial part of our business.”

Ian Prosser, ORR’s Director of Railway Safety, said:

“I’m delighted that the great collaboration between East Midlands Trains, Network Rail, BTP and ourselves has been recognised in this national safety award. Level crossing risk management is one of our top priorities and it is vital that everyone works together.

“The initiative shown by all of the people involved demonstrates an excellent safety culture. Well done all.”

Chief Inspector Dave Scott, of British Transport Police, said:

“We are immensely proud to be part of the team that strives to make level crossings on the rail network safer. The partnership initiative involving BTP, East Midlands Trains, Network Rail, and the ORR along the Lincoln to Peterborough line, has been a great success.

“This award has recognised the hard work and effort made by everyone involved.”

Martin Gallagher, Network Rail Head of Level Crossings, added:

“Network Rail has a national team dedicated to reducing the risk at level crossings and this partnership is a great example of the whole industry coming together to help to achieve that aim.

“The hard work to target misuse at crossings in the East Midlands and to make sure the industry is doing all it can to promote a safe railway will continue.”

This collaborative approach is now helping to influence national policy, and the industry’s national All Level Crossing Risk Model is being reviewed – with East Midlands Trains active support.

The National Rail Awards recognise excellence and achievements in the UK rail industry.

At this year’s awards, East Midlands Trains was also highly commended in the award for the Passenger Focus sponsored award, ‘Putting Passengers First’, for its ‘honest and simple approach in helping passengers find value for money train tickets’ through the launch of its online Best Fare Finder and initiatives such as Red Dot Days.

In addition, Paul Trigwell, a Derby-based train driver for East Midlands Trains was highly commended for Outstanding Personal Contribution for his pro-active work with the Samaritans and helping other train drivers deal with the impact of fatalities. The judges commented that Paul’s contribution had left them ‘humbled’.

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