Steam train firm banned from operating over safety concerns

A steam train operator has been banned from running its rail services on the UK's mainline railway.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said it had safety concerns over the West Coast Railway Company after "a number of incidents" over the past year.

It follows a near-miss last March where a steam train allegedly stopped across a busy main line railway junction near Royal Wootton Bassett - avoiding collision with an express train by less than a minute.

After the incident in March, the ORR issued an Improvement Notice warning the West Coast Railway Company to strengthen it's approach to safety management - but say issues continued.

They've now been issued with a Prohibition Notice, where the company won't be able to run their trains on the mainline network until the ORR is satisfied that its operations meet industry practice and are fit for purpose.

The company must:

• have more robust risk assessments

• put a greater focus on safety culture

• introduce clearer governance structures with proper accountability for safety

The ORR says it hopes the company will be able to resume operations after taking the necessary steps to improve safety.

"Our inspectors stand ready to work with the company to support and advise as it strengthens its approach to safety."