New body takes over rail crash inquiries

Reforms of railway accident investigations will be outlined in a new safety Bill to be published early next year.

The Bill takes the investigation of rail accidents away from the Health and Safety Executive and fulfils key recommendations of Lord Cullen's inquiry into the 1999 Paddington disaster.

The Railways and Transport Safety Bill will set up a new, independent Railway Accident Investigation Branch, putting rail on a par with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, and the Marine Accident Investigation Branch. A broader regulatory board will also replace the Office of the Rail Regulator.

Investigators will have full access to crash scenes and failure to co-operate with inquiries will become a criminal offence. Victims' families will be kept informed about inquiries.

The Bill does not contain reforms to corporate manslaughter laws, angering victims of recent rail disasters, but it will impose drink-drive limits for air crews and sailors, who face on-the-spot tests.

At present crews are covered only by a general ban on being drunk in charge of an aeroplane, boat or ship.

Tim Collins, the shadow Transport Secretary, said: "What is important is that the new investigating body will be independent and should report in a timely way on accidents."