A high-profile event in Manchester has seen sector professionals meet to discuss progress on a host of vital projects that aim to drive the expansion of light rail in the UK.

Organised by UKTram, the Light Rail Summit also opened with a minute of silence to enable delegates to pay their respects to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, explained: “The impressive surroundings of the headquarters of Manchester Chamber of Commerce in Deansgate proved a fitting setting for the sector to come together to share a few moments of quiet contemplation.

“As the nation mourned, it was inevitable that there were some last-minute changes to the list of key speakers, but the event still provided a valuable opportunity for the sector to unite behind a theme of ‘Building Better’.

“During a day of informative debate, delegates received an update on UKTram’s Strategy for the Future of Light Rail, and the work being done by the organisation’s Centre of Excellence to support plans for future projects.”

The summit also heard about the latest projects being led by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board and how Nottingham’s tram network was taking a partnership approach to tackling an increase in anti-social behaviour.

An international perspective was provided by representatives from the International Association of Public Transport (UITP) while progress on the development of wearable biometrics technology to enhance safety was also reviewed.

Meanwhile the challenges faced by young people were also the subject of a presentation by James Wingerath of Youth Employment UK.

“Providing opportunities for the next generation of light rail professionals is vital for the future of the sector and will no doubt be the subject of further debate and future UKTram initiatives,” Mr Hammett said.

“As well as highlighting this important issue, the summit also provided the opportunity for professionals from across the sector to share ideas on how to promote the benefits of light rail to both policy makers and the general public,” Mr Hammett added.