A leading figure in UK light rail safety has been appointed Chair of a new national body tasked with agreeing formal sector‑wide standards for the tramway industry.
Colin Kerr—former Head of Safety and Projects at Edinburgh Trams and now Technical Engineer and non‑executive director at the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB)—has been confirmed as Chair of the newly formed Light Rail Standards Committee. The group is expected to play a central role in strengthening the UK’s position as a world leader in tramway design, safety, and operational performance.
Bringing together specialist expertise from across the light rail sector, the committee will lead a review of existing standards documentation. This work will cover a broad range of areas including infrastructure design, operational procedures, asset management, and employee wellbeing policy. It will also set priorities for future guidance as the industry adapts to emerging technologies—particularly the growing influence of AI across both safety-critical and operational functions.
On his appointment, Colin highlighted his commitment to driving innovation, safety, and sector‑wide collaboration.
“I’m also looking forward to working collaboratively with fellow committee members, industry partners, and stakeholders to strengthen standards, encourage good practices, and support sustainable and forward-thinking solutions to the challenges faced by the sector,” he said.
He emphasised that maintaining technical rigour and public responsibility will remain at the core of the committee’s work.
“Together, we will continue to uphold the highest levels of technical integrity and public responsibility, and I’m eager to contribute my experience and leadership to furthering our shared objectives while ensuring that our standards reflect both current industry needs and future advancements.”
The creation of the Light Rail Standards Committee marks a major step forward in ensuring consistent, future‑ready, and high‑quality standards across all UK light rail systems—supporting long‑term sector growth and strengthening national leadership in tramway innovation.
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Colin Kerr has been appointed Chair of the new Light Rail Standards Committee, a body tasked with shaping sector‑wide tramway standards. Learn how this move will strengthen UK leadership in light rail safety, design, and innovation.
Image credit: LRSSB
