Lib Dems call for inquiry into track maintenance

Tuesday, 4 September 2007 12:00 AM

The Liberal Democrats have called for a public inquiry into the Grayrigg train crash, which killed one and injured at least 20 others.

An internal report by Network Rail today revealed "systematic failures" in the patrolling and management of the track, blaming deficiencies in inspections and maintenance.

A London to Glasgow Virgin Pendolino train derailed near Grayrigg in Cumbria on February 23 2007.

Today's report said the faulty points that caused the derailment should have been inspected on February 18. However, this check was not completed because the inspector wanted to finish early.

Although this was recorded, his supervisor did not identify that the points had been missed.

National Rail apologised immediately after the incident and today renewed its apology.

Iain Coucher, chief executive of Network Rail, said: "The report makes for difficult and sobering reading. Mistakes were made and there are important lessons for all of us at Network Rail.

"We have already made changes and more change will follow as we put in place all the actions and recommendations put forward by this report."

The report makes 14 recommendations and outlines 19 action plans.

Tim Farron, the local Liberal Democrat MP, welcomed National Rail's response, saying "it is good to see the company coming clean and apologising."

However, he insisted questions remain. Pointing to the similarities between Grayrigg and Potter's Bar, Mr Farron argued it was time the government launched a full public inquiry into track maintenance.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesman told politics.co.uk the government would await the findings of the independent Rail Accident Investigation Branch inquiry before judging whether a further inquiry is necessary.

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