Health and safety

Following the tragic Stonehaven incident, Network Rail has announced it is to inspect high-risk trackside slopes across Britain and the government has also asked Network Rail to review its resilience to, and management of, extreme weather.

HM Chief Inspector of Railways Ian Prosser CBE, said: "We are saddened by today's incident and our thoughts are with the families and friends of those affected. ORR Inspectors are on site at Stonehaven, assisting in the preliminary investigation.

More needs to be done to tackle the impacts of climate change on the railway, which has seen risks increase over the last year, according to a new report published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) today.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is urging people to stop taking unnecessary risks around the railway as figures from Network Rail show an average of 34 incidents a day.

By Robert Beveridge, Principal Inspector for the Western Route.

By Stephanie Tobyn, Deputy Director for Consumers.

By Ian Prosser, Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Railways.

By Sarah Cairns, HM Principal Inspector of Railways.

By John Larkinson, CEO.