Safety award for rail firm

The train company serving Lincolnshire has won a Golden Whistle award for improving safety – despite figures showing a 15.5 per cent rise in accidents.

East Midlands Trains scooped the gong for the most improved operational safety over the 12 months to December 2009 at a ceremony in London.

But figures from the independent safety watchdog the Office of Rail Regulation show 97 accidents flagged up by EMT across its network in 2009, compared to 84 the previous year.

The data includes a train collision in sidings, failure to evacuate passengers, fires and staff and customer slips and falls onboard trains and on platforms.

EMT spokesman Emma Knight said the figures include passenger trips on platforms which were beyond the company's control.

"We are very pleased to have been given a Golden Whistle award for the improvements made to operational safety, which demonstrates our absolute commitment to running a safe railway," she said.

"The dedication and drive of our people has played a crucial part in these improvements including the driver depot in Lincoln which has an excellent safety record and one that the team are extremely proud of."

EMT also picked up a Silver Whistle award for the most improved operational performance category.

The award recognised EMT's punctuality and reliability which increased from 88 per cent to 92 per cent in the 12 months to December 2009.

The honours scheme is jointly run by the Institution of Railway Operators and Modern Railways magazine.