Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Lessons of Grayrigg "not learnt" says Farron as improvements ordered after 2007 rail crash not yet fulfilled

October 1, 2009 12:00 AM

Tim at the site of the Grayrigg rail crash in February 2007The lessons of the Grayrigg rail accident "still haven't been learnt" according to South Lakes MP Tim Farron, after it was announced that nearly a third of the safety recommendations made in the wake of the 2007 accident have yet to be implemented.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch said that seven out of the 22 recommendations had not been implemented following the incident at Grayrigg, Cumbria, in February 2007, which claimed the life of Glasgow woman Margaret Masson, 84, and left eight others in hospital, including the victim's daughter and son-in-law.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"Two years on from the Grayrigg accident, and the failure of Network Rail to implement all of the RAIB's recommendations shows that lessons of Grayrigg still haven't been learnt.

"This failure also makes it much harder for the ongoing uncertainty over railway points to be addressed. The Grayrigg tragedy was caused by points failure, as was the Potters Bar tragedy and countless other near misses which thankfully did not lead to an accident."

"Now that this news has been revealed, it's vital that Network Rail act immediately to make the necessary improvements to make sure there isn't another repeat of the Grayrigg tragedy."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    timfarron.co.uk/en/article/2009/105605/lessons-of-grayrigg-not-learnt-says-farron-as-improvements-ordered-after-2007-rail-crash-not-yet-fulfilled
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    tf.lib.dm/a54z0

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image
  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
    • If you submit your email address, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image
  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Westmorland and Lonsdale constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you choose to join our email list, the Liberal Democrats and their elected representatives may use the information you have provided to contact you from time to time about issues we think you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of some or all contacts at any time by contacting us. You do not need to join our email list to complete this form.


    • Generate different image