A new central resource portal has been launched to help drive further increases in safety standards across the light rail sector.

The recently established Light Rail Safety and Standards Board (LRSSB) has already made significant strides in drawing together cross-sector experience and expertise, and the newly launched website ( www.lrssb.com) aims to provide access to crucial information and resources.

Peter Cushing, LRSSB Chief Executive, explained: “Trams are one of the safest forms of transport and we are working hard to lead the sector’s drive to improve standards even further.

“The launch of the new website and its resource portal represents one of the innovative ways we’re working to create cross-industry benchmarks.”

The ambition is to expand the portal into an essential central knowledge bank where operators can access up to date guidance and information on cutting edge research into new technology and risk assessment. The website will also provide a platform through which light rail organisations can share best practice.

Set up in response to a report into the 2016 derailment of a tram in Croydon, the LRSSB builds on the work of undertaken by a safety steering group established by UK Tram – the organisation representing the country’s light rail sector.

Peter added: “We’re delighted to launch the website. It is early days and the resource it offers will build over time but it represents a major step forward for the LRSSB and will play a crucial role in our future work.”