New Czech railway safety commission seeks more investment in local lines, after spate of accidents

The new permanent commission for railway safety has recommended boosting investment in local lines following a series of fatal accidents and derailments this summer.

Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček told journalists following Wednesday evening’s first meeting of the new commission that safety measures at railway crossings are also a priority.

Havlíček announced the formation of the 16-member commission, comprised of experts from the railway and other sectors, after a passenger train collided with a parked freight train on Tuesday near Český Brod, killing the driver on the spot.

The commission for railway safety is due to meet every two weeks to assess progress.