Network Rail Scotland criticised for track safety

Network Rail Scotland is one of the worst performing areas when it comes to taking action to reduce train accident risk, according to the UK’S independent economic and safety regulator.

A report by the Office of Rail and Road found Network Rail Scotland is behind the rest of the UK on fitting stretcher bars to keep two rails a certain distance apart, as well as on delivery of drainage plans and line-side fencing.

“This makes it one of the worst performing routes overall for train accident risk reduction,” the report said.

It also not doing as well as the rest of the UK when it comes to animals getting trackside. The report also quotes an incident of a boy suffering serious injuries from electrification equipment after getting access near Musselburgh.

It also suggests that the train service could struggle to meet Scotrail punctuality performance targets of 91 per cent of trains arriving within five minutes of their scheduled time if there is a hard winter. It said: “The 91 per cent target is stretching but achievable assuming an average autumn and winter.”

Transport minister Humza Yousaf said he would continue to press for full devolution of Network Rail.