15.05.15
ORR review of West Coast Railways to be completed today
The ORR review of West Coast Railways (WCR) safety certification is due to be completed today, determining whether the heritage TOC will be allowed to continue to operate services.
The review was launched following the SPAD at Wootton Bassett Junction in March, which led to Network Rail suspending the company’s licence.
The ORR has also been “conducting further assessments to determine whether health and safety laws were breached, and the appropriate enforcement action required”.
Last week Network Rai lifted its suspension notice, allowing WCR to operate services again as the ORR review was ongoing. NR said that WCR had “satisfactorily addressed” all of the actions set out in the notice.
An ORR spokesman told RTM that its inspectors were there for the operation of the first service after the suspension was lifted. They observed WCR’s preparations in the days leading up to the running of the service, and also monitored the train crew aboard while it was operated.
The process to review WCR’s safety certification started on 17 April and has taken 28 days. During this time the ORR consulted with train operators, unions and other interested parties to get their views.
A meeting is scheduled to take place between WCR and the ORR today to determine the final outcome of the review.
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