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Thursday 4 Nov 2004

PASSENGERS REASSURED ON RAIL SAFETY

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National

Responding to allegations about track safety made in a BBC documentary, Network Rail’s Chief Executive, John Armitt, said: “We take any allegations about safety extremely seriously.  But we do not believe the BBC’s investigation has uncovered any risks to train or passenger safety.  “This was a serious subject treated in a sensationalist manner.  We maintain the railway to ensure it is safe and fit for purpose.  “Every inch of track is subjected to a frequent, demanding inspection regime, which is supplemented with inspections by the very latest track reading and monitoring equipment..  “While a stretch of track might not be visually perfect to the untrained eye, it can still be safe.” Responding to allegations about employee conduct, John Armitt said: “These are extremely serious allegations, and we only became aware of all the details upon viewing the programme this evening. We are continuing to investigate them and will review the programme content in detail before taking any necessary disciplinary action. “We remain confident that the vast majority of our employees, are committed railway men and women who have safety at the heart of all the work they do in rebuilding Britain’s railway.” The BBC had not permitted anyone at Network Rail to see any “evidence” or footage in advance of the broadcast on BBC1 tonight. ____________________________ Page 1 of 4 Passengers reassured on rail safety The broadcast of the programme was the first time anyone at Network Rail had viewed the footage. The BBC put some written allegations to the company on 15 October, to which Network Rail gave a robust response on 26 October.  (The details of these are in the notes to Editors section.) The company also provided the BBC with a written statement (which is also available in the Notes to Editors section). John Armitt concluded: “I’d like to reassure all passengers that we put safety at the forefront of everything we do.  The track highlighted in this programme was never unsafe, and has been checked and double-checked by qualified, experienced track engineers and been declared fit for purpose. “It is disappointing that this misinformed and misleading programme could unnecessarily dent public confidence in the railway, which has been growing following two years of substantial progress by Network Rail and our industry partners.”