The overall risk of accidents on UK tramways has fallen by more than a quarter over the past three years, according to new safety modelling presented by the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB).
The latest review of tramway risk models shows a 27% reduction in collective safety risk since the previous assessment in 2023, reflecting industry-wide investment in technology, training and infrastructure aimed at reducing accidents and improving operational safety.
The findings were unveiled at the UK Light Rail Conference in Nottingham, where delegates also heard about changes to LRSSB’s governance as the organisation moves towards greater independence.
While incidents involving pedestrians and other road users remain the largest safety challenge for tram operators, the updated modelling indicates that targeted mitigation measures have significantly reduced overall risk.
Laura Lee, Head of Safety Risk Management at LRSSB, said: “While these incidents still represent the biggest risk factor on tramways, the results of this three-year review of individual network risk models reflect a commitment by the sector to continual safety improvements.
“Across the board, we have seen enhancements thanks to the adoption of overspeed and driver vigilance systems, installation of track bed under-run protection, the expanded use of advanced simulators during training, and a host of other initiatives targeted at pedestrian awareness, security and strengthened asset management.
“As a result, we’ve seen an overall reduction in the sector’s total collective risk of 27 per cent since the models were last reviewed in 2023. However, we can never be complacent, and we will continue to work with partners across the sector to ensure further risk reductions.”
The latest analysis also benefits from improved reporting through LRSSB’s enhanced Tramway Accident and Incident Reporting (TAIR) system, providing a stronger evidence base for assessing operational risks and identifying emerging trends across the sector.
Alongside the safety update, LRSSB outlined progress on reforms to its governance arrangements following the announcement earlier this year of a new working relationship with UKTram.
The revised structure, which came into effect on 1 July, is intended to provide greater independence and stronger accountability to the light rail sector.
LRSSB Chief Executive Carl Williams said: “The conference provided us with the ideal opportunity to highlight the advances in ensuring continuous improvement in safety standards across light rail, and how we are stepping up our support for the sector as it continues to evolve.
“This includes restructuring of our board to provide more direct accountability to the sector, in line with a new working relationship with the trade body UKTram that was announced earlier this year and comes into force today.
“Over the next few months, we will continue to strengthen our relationships with other key stakeholders while strengthening sector board representation ahead of our AGM in December.”
The latest modelling highlights the progress made by UK tram operators in reducing risk while reinforcing the sector’s continued focus on improving safety through technology, collaboration and evidence-led decision-making.
