The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has today released its 2005 Annual Report.

The organisation's first annual report covers the set-up of the RAIB, its shadow operation, and the period from 17 October 2005, when the RAIB became operational, until the end of the year. 

Carolyn Griffiths, Chief Inspector of the RAIB, said: "We are privileged to have a role that can make a positive and direct contribution to the improvement to safety and I am seeking to maintain the dialogue with those whom our work affects to ensure we are delivering the maximum benefit to the both the travelling public and industry."

During the two and a half month’s of operation in 2005, the RAIB investigated 17 incidents, 12 of which have now been reported on. The Annual Report contains summaries of these incidents and recommendations that have been made.

Notes to Editors

The full RAIB annual report is available here

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch started operation on 17 October 2005. The sole purpose of RAIB investigations is to prevent future accidents and incidents and improve railway safety. The RAIB does not establish blame, liability or carry out prosecutions.

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Newsdate: 5 October 2006