Warning on cost-cutting rail plans

Tragedies like the Potters Bar train crash will recur if proposed cost-cutting measures are introduced on the railways, unions warned before the 10th anniversary of the disaster.

By The Newsroom

Published 7th May 2012, 13:10 BST

The Government is considering a Department for Transport-ordered report containing a number of options for cash-cutting across the UK rail network.

But transport unions say that if recommendations made in Sir Roy McNulty’s review are implemented, they would spell the break-up of Network Rail and an end of its not-for-dividend status.

Simon Weller, national organiser of train drivers’ union Aslef, said: “We’ll probably see more Potters Bars because the profit motive has been reintroduced into track, signalling and infrastructure work.

“Cutting corners with safety to keep costs down is likely.”

But Transport Minister Theresa Villiers hit back at Mr Weller, saying: “Eliminating waste and inefficiency through smarter working can be done without jeopardising safety.”