7 December 2023
RMT Press Office:
Scottish railways are likely to have major safety related incidents in the next two years, according to Network Rail workers in an RMT survey.
92% of those surveyed said that a major rail safety incident occurring on the railway within the next two years was "likely" with 45% saying it was "very likely."
66% of Network Rail members surveyed said railways were less safe than 2 years ago and 94% thought proposed cuts to renewals in the next five years would worsen rail safety.
RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "These stats are truly shocking and show that the cuts being made by Network Rail in Scotland over the next two years are unacceptable.
"Our members who are the experts on the safety of the railway infrastructure are saying loud and clear the cuts programme must end.
"The Scottish Government decides the funding envelope for Network Rail for each five-year control period so they must take responsibility and restore the £315 million funding that is due to be lost."
END
Notes:
- Total renewals expenditure for Scotland’s railway in the next 5 years (Control period 7) is £2.147bn which is £315m or 13% lower than in CP6 (£2.462bn).
- 150 Network Rail workers in Scotland responded to the survey.
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