Climate impact on railways shows need to act

TSSA has welcomed the rail regulator highlighting the impact of climate change on our railways, saying the report "is yet more proof of why we need to up our game in tackling climate change."

The Office for Road and Rail’s annual safety report was published yesterday, showing an improvement in safety across the railways but a spike in climate change related events such as flooding, subsidence and fallen trees. It also documented the deaths of four railway workers over the period.

Commenting on the ORR report, TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes said:

“This report from the ORR is yet more proof of why we need to up our game in tackling climate change. Record hot, dry summers and wet winters with flooding and landslides cause havoc with our transport and other vital infrastructure.

“As we begin to recover from Covid-19, investment in clean public transport will help boost our economy while tackling climate change. It’s vital we grasp this opportunity.

"While the overall safety level on our railways is good, losing four colleagues at work is four too many. We mourn them and must improve our safety systems so that no one is killed at work."