The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says Britain’s rail industry must keep safety at the forefront as major reforms progress. Its annual health and safety report follows the fatal Elstow collision near Bedford, in which driver Shaun Burton died and many others were injured. ORR is supporting the ongoing investigation. While rail remains safe overall, the regulator says faster action is needed to tackle overspeeding, improve trackworker safety and provide better welfare for staff. It will also scrutinise delayed maintenance linked to financial pressures, rising level crossing deaths, and increasing violence and harassment against railway workers. Chief Inspector Richard Hines said reform must deliver clear leadership, accountability and stronger safety standards, warning that change must not weaken protections for passengers or staff. https://www.orr.gov.uk/search-news/rail-industry-must-maintain-safety-standards-through-reform-says-orr