Safety and security on the UK’s light rail networks will be a key focus of a major sector event later this year.

Organised by UKTram, the annual Light Rail Summit brings together sector leaders for a day of topical debate, and this year it will highlight steps being taken to protect networks from the threat of terrorist attack.

Stewart Satchell, a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA) from British Transport Police, will be among the key speakers at the event in Birmingham on Thursday, September 19.

His presentation will explain how STSAs provide support for operators to help them comply with the Department for Transport’s security requirements.

In a separate presentation, Louise Barry, Head of Customer and Growth at KeolisAmey Metrolink, will demonstrate how virtual reality is helping them, in partnership with the Travel Safe Partnership, to tackle anti-social behaviour on the UK’s largest tram network.

James Hammett, UKTram Managing Director, commented: “While light rail remains one of the safest ways to travel, our networks are not immune from the wider risks faced by the communities they serve.

“These presentations will offer a fascinating insight into the steps being taken to keep customers and employees safe in the face of numerous security challenges.”

The summit at the Institute of Engineering and Technology’s impressive conference facilities in Austin Court, Birmingham, is free to attend for UKTram members, although places are extremely limited. Anyone interested in attending should email lorraineGeorge@uktram.co.uk or call 0121 214 7107.

A full summit agenda, which will also include a range of sector updates and details of other speakers, will be announced in due course.