Freight derailment
We have made progress in reducing the risk of freight train derailment but there is still plenty to do.
Freight plays a significant role in the functioning and importance of our railway system. It serves as a crucial link for transporting goods across the country, it contributes to economic growth and development, and it produces less carbon emissions than road.
The National Freight Safety Group (NSFG) facilitates the continuous improvements in health, safety and wellbeing in the freight sector.
The reduction in freight derailments has been a big success story, with the annual moving average of derailments decreasing significantly over the past two years (see chart). Accidents such as the Petteril Bridge derailment of October 2022, which is currently being investigated by RAIB, show that this hazard has not been eliminated, however.
In its investigation into the Llangennech derailment, RAIB identified that RSSB should coordinate industry experts and lead the response to two recommendations on behalf of the industry. The structure endorsed by the industry has been implemented and will bring together experts from freight operating companies and organisations in charge of maintenance. This will ensure that they work closely to address the recommendations and reduce the likelihood of a similar accident happening in the future.
RSSB is supporting the industry through the Conditions of Freight Vehicles on the Network working group. This work has been successful in reducing the number of freight derailments. RSSB will continue to support the additional work to understand what data is currently being
captured and how it could be harmonised and aggregated. This will bring clear benefits to the freight sector by shining a focused light on freight vehicle condition. It will also reduce the number of freight train divisions, as coupler condition falls under the same banner. RSSB’s research on the limits of freight train trailing length as governed by coupler strength will allow the freight industry to unlock additional capacity.
Although the direct safety risks of train divisions are quite low, they do have an impact on performance. As we know, delays can increase the risk to passengers, with an increased likelihood of self-evacuation, for instance.
NFSG is recasting its integrated plan for freight safety. It takes a strategic look at new and emerging risks for the freight sector by making use of RSSB’s horizon scanning capability. The new integrated plan will ensure NFSG is prioritising the right risk areas.