Road (Highways Safety) related deaths

Noted (AI summary) Transport for London has already procured, developed, and installed a bespoke Physical Prevention of Overspeed System (PPOS) on the London Tram network, reducing the risk of overturning by 76%. They are also investigating the feasibility of strengthening tram doors and will incorporate learnings into future fleet specifications. Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom) has completed a door vulnerability assessment, performed design reviews for current and future tram door systems, and engaged with suppliers regarding enhancements. They plan to finalize improvement actions and recommendations for door strengthening for both in-service and new tram fleets by March 2022, and engage with authorities to review UK regulation for light rail doors by April 2022. Tram Operations Ltd is already a member of CIRAS (Confidential Reporting for Safety) for anonymous staff reporting and publicises this to staff. Regarding passenger ejection through doors, they confirm they do not own the trams but welcome discussions with London Trams and would support implementation of strengthening if feasible. Transport Focus clarifies its limited remit and resources to initiate a centrally funded national tram passenger safety group. They state they will engage with operators on passenger safety issues brought to their notice and support any such group initiated by another body. The Department for Transport reports that the Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has published guidance on driver inattention and speed management, and all tram networks in England now subscribe to the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System (CIRAS). DfT is also consulting on establishing a national tram safety group and supports LRSSB's planned work on automatic braking systems, door strengthening standards, and promoting CIRAS. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board confirms that all seven UK tramways already subscribe to the Confidential Incident Reporting & Analysis System (CIRAS). LRSSB further plans to produce a tramway-specific guidance note and communication campaign to promote the benefits of such schemes to front-line staff by March 2022. The LRSSB has published new Light Rail Guidance on Driver Inattention (LG3) and Light Rail Standards on Speed Management Systems (LS4), incorporating RAIB recommendations. They have also commissioned a trial of specific technology for driver inattention and speed management, with outcomes expected by January 2022. The Light Rail Safety and Standards Board is engaging with European Standards working groups to inform regulation on tram door security and crashworthiness, and plans to consult with TfL/London Trams to determine remedial actions. LRSSB will then publish a briefing or guidance note for the sector, with timelines to be confirmed.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport clarified that local authorities are responsible for hazard signage and highway maintenance, and that existing guidance is available but not mandatory.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Transport explains current driver licensing arrangements and guidance for medical professionals, noting age is not an automatic barrier to driving, but they encourage drivers to discuss concerns with medical professionals, and points to an older driver website. The GMC has contacted the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) to raise awareness of the risks of confusion related to UTIs and driving among their members.

Noted (AI summary) Suffolk County Council Highways has assessed the report and agreed to install a pair of hidden dip signs north of the Wallers Farm access, facing southbound traffic and will now proceed to design suitable locations, leading to the erection of new posts and signs in due course. National Highways states that they are not responsible for the A137 and cannot comment, advising the coroner to contact Suffolk County Council instead.

Noted (AI summary) The National Police Chiefs' Council acknowledges receipt of the letter and notes its contents. Sussex Police reviewed policies and procedures on radio use and found policy 594/2021 sufficiently robust. They have a Driver Behaviour Working Group reviewing trends and a point system for interventions. A training package is in development to remind staff of radio responsibilities.

Noted (AI summary) The council investigated the footway condition outside Alma Street and concluded that it does not meet the standard for intervention based on their inspection regime, which exceeds national minimum standards for safety and maintenance defects intervention.

Noted (AI summary) Bucher Municipal, the manufacturer of the machine involved, asserts they were neither the user nor maintainer and their interventions had no bearing on the accident. They state the machine's manual specifies required maintenance checks. Ceredigion County Council outlines existing measures and improvements to vehicle maintenance and management systems implemented before July 2018, including documentation sign-offs, lesson learned processes, and monthly audits. They also increased the frequency of roller brake tests in December 2019 and undertook FTA audits in March 2020.