On this, the second episode focusing on heritage railways, the Rail and Road Pod visits Aln Valley Railway in Northumberland to continue the discussion on how ORR and the heritage sector are collaborating to maximise safety.

Once again, host Kenny Walker, is joined in conversation by Ian Skinner, Office of Rail and Road’s Head of Non-Mainline and lead for Heritage Railway safety; Steve Oates, chief executive of the Heritage Railway Association; and Michael Proctor, chairman of Aln Valley Railway in Northumberland.

The Pod is taken on a tour of Aln Valley to look at some of the recent safety improvements made and taken on a ride of one of the railway's Pacer services. The Pod also talks to members of Aln Valley staff on how the help of ORR has delivered better safety for its operations.

For more information on how the Office of Rail and Road regulates the health and safety of heritage railways visit: https://www.orr.gov.uk/about/who-we-work-with/railway-networks/minor-heritage-railways 

To learn more about the Heritage Railway Association visit: https://www.hra.uk.com/ 

To plan a visit to Aln Valley Railway, see: https://www.alnvalleyrailway.co.uk/