11.04.17
ORR to request process for improving NR route risk management
The ORR is to request that Network Rail puts in place a process to improve risk management at a local level across all its devolved routes, ensuring that any changes occur safely and in compliance with health and safety law, its business plan for 2017-18 has stated.
The regulator also said that it would continue pushing Network Rail to be a more “predictable” organisation under the ORR’s Risk Management Maturity Model (RM3), saying: “This will be particularly important as route devolution takes place.
“Where we see weaknesses in different areas and between different routes we will encourage, and if necessary enforce, change.”
In the regulator’s plans, which set out its aims and strategy for the next year, ORR also said that it will introduce more proportionate intervention on routes in order to lighten the regulatory burden on operators.
ORR also emphasised that it will continue to work to instil Safety by Design into projects before they become operational, in particular on large scale projects like HS2 and the new Elizabeth Line.
The regulator also confirmed that it would be responding to findings from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the British Transport Police (BTP) about the Croydon Tram accident that occurred in November 2016 and caused the death of seven people.
In her foreword to the plan, Joanna Whittington, ORR CEO, said that the past year had seen customer satisfaction drop, in part due to continued industrial action on franchises across the country, and that the ORR was looking to change its plan to address this growing concern.
“We will continue to monitor and transparently report on the service users receive from train operators and Network Rail, providing a clear reputational incentive to deliver better customer service,” she said.
“At the same time, we must also build on a longer term approach which reinforces the link between networks and their users as we carry out Network Rail’s periodic review and contribute to the government’s next Road Investment Strategy for Highways England.”
Whittington also said that working with passengers was now more important than ever to ensuring a safe and reliable railway.
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