Hot on the heels of Jarvis’ latest rail maintenance blunder, NR announce that they’ll be deferring some track renewals to save money. Chief exec John Armitt said:

“But safety comes first, and I do not believe these reductions will compromise safety on the railway.”

In fact, if it keeps Jarvis and their ilk away from the tracks, it will probably improve safety. Rail travellers may sleep easier (car travellers will continue to sit in jams and fume).