Researchers

Britain's rail industry must maintain a relentless focus on safety as it undergoes major reform, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says in its annual health and safety report published today. The report comes just weeks after the fatal train collision at Elstow, near Bedford, which highlighted the severe consequences of major rail accidents.

The rail regulator’s annual assessment of Network Rail shows passenger and freight train cancellations reduced in Great Britain in the year to March 2026, while punctuality remained broadly stable. Network Rail exceeded its efficiency target, but inflationary pressures mean reduced plans for renewing the railway. Network Rail must better demonstrate how it will mitigate the effects of renewals