Tragic ROGS decision is nail in light rail's coffin

This article looks at the effects of new UK regulations on the safety of rail-bound transport modes. The Railways and Other Guided Transport Systems (Safety) Regulations 2006 (ROGS) consists of three sections: safety-critical tasks, safety management, and safety verification (SV). Previously the Railway Inspectorate had been responsible for approving new equipment, providing consistency on safety matters across the UK. ROGS replaces this by SV, through the promoter of new systems or the operator of existing systems, whenever new or altered infrastructure or vehicles create safety risks. The SV process is then checked by an "independent competent person" (ICP). Extra costs include fees and insurance cover. Sector-representative bodies discussed the new regulations with the government's Office of Rail Regulation but they were to be enforced in October 2008. Unresolved issues are seen as insufficient training for ICPs; restrictions on transferring vehicles from one system to another; difficulty in identifying responsibility for SV where several bodies are involved; and the involvement of highway authorities in SV for street-running tramways.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/oclc/38265072
• Authors:
  • CLAYDEN, G
• Publication Date: 2008-8

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 320-321
• Serial:
  • Tramways & Urban Transit
  • Publisher: Light Rail Transit Association
  • ISSN: 1460-8324

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Administration; Costs; Evaluation; Legislation; Personnel; Railroad transportation; Safety; Surveillance
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Railroads; Safety and Human Factors; I10: Economics and Administration; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01121243
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: TRL
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Feb 5 2009 8:25AM