The deputy chief inspector at the Rail Accident Investigation Branch Andy Lewis is being promoted to chief inspector from November. He will replace Andrew Hall, who is retiring.

New figures show crimes involving trespass, including cable theft, vandalism and obstruction, caused over 3,300 hours of delays for passengers -- equivalent to more than four months -- and cost the rail sector more than 10 million pounds in delay attribution minutes during 2025-26. In response, the industry has launched a new ‘Crime with Consequences’ campaign to make sure potential offenders are aware they will face the full force of the law if they commit crimes on the railway, and that the penalties include severe fines or prison sentences.