Work is continuing to strengthen an industry-wide safety body, despite the coronavirus lockdown.

An announcement by Government on the next round of funding secured for the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) is due shortly, while the naming of the organisation’s new Chair and Chief Executive are also imminent.

The developments have been welcomed by the organisation representing the UK’s light rail sector, which helped to set up the LRSSB in response to the 2016 derailing of a tram in Croydon, which claimed the lives of seven people.

James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, commented: “The Covid-19 outbreak has naturally been the focus of attention in recent weeks, but, in the background, a lot of work has been going on to build on the early work of the LRSSB.

“Talks have continued with the Department for Transport on future funding and securing this was key, at the same time remote interviews have been taking place to find a successor to Peter Cushing, its interim Chief Executive.

“Last year the organisation was awarded £1.5million government funding, which has helped it to draw together safety experts from across the sector and to develop an industry risk model, a valuable online portal for sharing guidance notes and best practice.

“It has as implementing the TAIR (Tram Accident and Incident Reporting) database that had been pioneered and developed by UKTram.”

Alongside the appointment of a new CEO, the LRSSB Board is also expected to announce their new Chair.

“With additional funding secured, a new Chief Executive in post and a new Chairman appointed, the LRSSB team will be set to continue its vital work in helping to make our light rail systems even safer,” Mr Hammett added.

George Lowder the Chair of UKTram said: “following a recruitment and selection process that has been protracted by the current Coronovirus restrictions, we are in negotiation with preferred candidates for the post of Chair and Chief Executive of LRSSB.

“We have no doubt that these individuals bring exactly the right mix of leadership, industry experience, enthusiasm and passion to drive the LRSSB into the future and to the next level.”