ORR level crossing statement

In response to the Transport Select Committee report on safety at level crossings, Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety at the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) said:

“I echo sentiments in the Transport Select Committee’s report on safety at level crossings that each and every death at a level crossing is a personal tragedy. We are focused on working with Network Rail, local and national governments, industry and the public to close level crossings and minimise the risks. The report welcomes significant improvements in safety at level crossings over recent years. But more can be done, which is why, as the report highlights, ORR has ring-fenced more than £100 million for future improvements in level crossing safety in plans for Britain’s railways between 2014 and 2019. Level crossing safety is a top priority for ORR, and our safety inspectors carry out hundreds of level crossing inspections each year. We will consider all recommendations addressed to ORR in the report. The regulator is working with the Department for Transport to streamline level crossing safety legislation, which will make it easier to close high-risk crossings. Alongside this work, we are undertaking a review of level crossing safety guidance. More transparency and public information on level crossings will also help to improve safety standards. Network Rail’s commitment to publish more data on safety at level crossings is welcome in helping everyone understand the risks inherent at level crossings, as ORR scrutinises the company’s progress over the coming years.”