Risky railways

A new report has found that there is a pervasive and self-sustaining culture of risk averse or over-cautious behaviour in the UK rail industry.

The report says that the behaviour has arisen from, and been reinforced by, the magnitude of the criticism brought on the industry following the series of major accidents at Southall, Ladbroke Grove, Hatfield, and Potters Bar.

Commissioned by the UK Department for Transport and penned by consultants Arthur D Little, the report examined four areas where it was thought risk aversion might be a significant factor: track worker behaviour, contractor behaviour, rolling stock and signalling acceptance and standards and driver behaviour.

It found that decisions that in the past were made by competent front line staff are now being taken by more senior management who lack the technical expertise - with a view to minimising corporate risk. Senior management are also taking quick, expensive action - to be seen to be ‘doing something’. And there is a reliance on decisions by committee to spread responsibility.