The Plenary Meeting of the “International Liaison Group of Governmental Railway Inspectorates” (ILGGRI) took place at the invitation of the Greek National Railway Safety Authority from 26 – 27 May 2016 in Athens. Representatives of about 20 European National Safety Authorities attended this meeting. UIC was invited by ILGGRI to report on Safety activities.
Peter Gerhardt, Manager of the UIC Safety Unit, report on the worldwide mission of UIC to promote the development of rail transport in order to meet challenges of mobility and sustainable development. He also mentioned the numerous MoUs concluded between UIC and international organisations and institutions.
His presentation focused on the work programme of the UIC Safety Unit and the five Advisory Groups of the UIC Safety Platform. He highlighted the common UIC System Safety Management Group (SSMG)/CER Safety Support Group which supports CER speakers in safety related Working Parties of the “European Railway Agency” (ERA). Following the entry into force of the technical pillar of the 4th Railway Package, the Agency’s name will change to European Union Agency for Railways (the “Agency”, EUAR).
Peter Gerhardt mentioned the three multidisciplinary Task Forces on:
- Safety Contractor Management
- Signals passed at danger (SPAD)
- Safety culture and Safety Management Systems (SMS)
which will finish their work with the presentation of recommendations and guidelines to share best practices across UIC members.
Further main items presented by Peter Gerhardt were the UIC Safety Database with the participation of 22 European railway companies and UIC activities on safety at level crossings, such as the
- International Level Crossing Awareness Day (ILCAD), coordinated by UIC
- Participation in the joint WP road/rail at UNECE
- Communication of guidance for professional drivers (jointly deevloped and published with IRU and OLE in various languages)
ILGGRI representatives appreciated the information from UIC and expressed their interest in continuing this cooperation and information exchange.
The next joint meeting of the UIC SSMG/CER SSG with the ILGGRI Regulatory Subgroup is scheduled to be held on 30 September 2016 and will take place at the invitation of UIC in Paris.
