Improvement notices 2026

Copies of the notices can be found on our public register.

Improvement Notice issued to London Underground Limited (Lillie Bridge Depot)

• Issue date: 20 August 2026
• Compliance date: 30 September 2026
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID: I/AWM/20260820/01

Summary: 

London Underground Limited failed to ensure that lifting operations using the overhead crane, Allen Crane LBD number A1365, in the machine shop at Lillie Bridge Depot were properly planned by a competent person. The lifting plan reviewed after the accident was dated May 2015 and did not adequately address the risks associated with the lifting operation, including suitable lifting accessories, the size, weight and stability of the load, appropriate lifting points, and the safe system of work required for the lifting operation.

Improvement Notice issued to Nene Valley Railway Limited

• Issue date: 14 August 2026
• Compliance date: 29 October 2026
• Status: Open
• Public register ID: I/LP-20260814-1

Summary: 

Nene Valley Railway Ltd failed to make and give effect to appropriate arrangements for the effective control of lifting equipment and lifting accessories, resulting in a failure to ensure that equipment which is exposed to conditions causing deterioration likely to result in dangerous situations is subject to appropriate thorough examination.

Improvement Notice issued to West Coast Railway Company Ltd (trains with drop-light windows)

• Issue date: 30 June 2026
• Compliance date: now 11 November 2026 – previously 30 September 2026
• Status: Open
• Public register ID: IN/KPD01/062026

Summary:

West Coast Railway Company Ltd failed to ensure the safety of their employees and others who may be affected by their work activities, in that they are failing to give effect to such arrangements as are appropriate, to protect people from the risks of serious personal injury due to being struck by objects or structures because they have failed to prevent persons from leaning out of drop-light windows while the train is in motion.

Improvement Notice issued to Dean Forest Railway Company Limited (St Mary’s Halt, Lydney)

• Issue date: 21 May 2026
• Compliance date: 27 August 2026
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID: I/20260521/MDB/01

Summary: 

On 14 August 2025 part of a 360-degree excavator being transported by train struck a footbridge carrying a public footpath over the Dean Forest Heritage Railway at St Mary’s Halt, Lydney resulting in the collapse of the footbridge. The train consisted of a class 08 diesel-electric shunting locomotive propelling two 4-wheel ‘Loriot’ type well wagons and a bogie brake van and was operated by Dean Forest Railway Company Limited volunteers.

The 360-degree excavator had been loaded onto the ‘Loriot’ wagon nearest to the locomotive at Lydney Junction and had been stowed with its bucket resting on the wagon’s raised front deck meaning that the excavator arm was too high to pass under the footbridge.

ORR’s investigation has identified significant failings in safety management.

Improvement Notice issued to Blackpool Transport Services Limited (Blackpool Tramway operated between Starr Gate Depot, Fleetwood Ferry and Blackpool North Station) 

• Issue date: 06 May 2026
• Compliance date:  12 August 2026
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID:  I/LP-060526

Summary:

Blackpool Transport Services Limited failed to take, so far as is reasonably practicable, appropriate measures to control and mitigate known risks associated with bogie degradation which could give rise to derailment and collision.

Improvement Notice issued to West Midlands Trains Limited (Tyseley Traction Maintenance Depot - TMD)

• Issue date:  02 April 2026
• Compliance date:  02 July 2026
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID: I/CMWMT202604602

Summary:

West Midlands Trains have failed to take suitable and sufficient measures to prevent, so far as is reasonably practicable, persons falling a distance liable to cause injury, when employees are carrying out engine replacement work close to of over the inspection pit while the train is raised above the rails with the lifting jacks on Road 12.

Improvement Notice issued to Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (London Bridge Maintenance Delivery Unit)

• Issue date:  19 January 2026
• Compliance date:  29 May 2026
• Status: Complied
• Public register ID: I/HLB/NRIL/190126/001

Summary:

Network Rail failed to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the vibration risk created by work carried out using vibrating hand tools to the health of their employees and that they have failed to identify the measures that need to be taken to meet the requirements of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005