Darling in Derby to Launch RAIB
17 Oct 2005
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has officially come into force, with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling opening its new Derby HQ.
A totally independent body, the RAIB identifies causes and any other factors that contributed to, or made worse, a rail accident. It does not apportion blame or liability, enforce law, or carry out prosecutions. The team of half a dozen inspectors are on call 24 hours a day, and can be dispatched in just 30 minutes, gathering and recording evidence using the latest technology and methods. They also take confidential statements from witnesses.
It performs a similar function to bodies undertaking aviation and maritime accident investigations.
Unveiling a plaque to mark the launch of the RAIB, Mr Darling said: “There will sadly always be rail accidents, and it makes sense to have an organisation recognised as having the skills and expertise to find out what happened, and which minimises further risk.
“We have made a lot of progress on railway safety in the last few years, and the RAIB investigations will result in our finding out the causes of an accident far more quickly than has previously been the case.”
Carolyn Griffiths, RAIB Chief Inspector, added: “This is about creating a blame-free environment, by investigating safety and safety alone. I feel a huge commitment in bringing this organisation into being and doing some good for the industry and general public.”