Two years after the Croydon Tram crash, funds for a new UK tram safety body are still being withheld by the government, says Croydon MP Sarah Jones.

Today is the anniversary of the tragedy, in which seven people died and 62 others were injured near the Sandilands tram stop in Addiscombe.

Almost a year since the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report into the crash, the first and 'most important' of the RAIB's 15 safety recommendations, to create a new tram safety body, is yet to be implemented.

Mrs Jones claims that, although the membership of the body’s steering group has been in existence for months in ‘shadow’ form, it cannot begin full operations until the Government commits funding.

Mrs Jones said: “This week I learned that almost a year since the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) report into the crash, the first and most important of the RAIB's 15 safety recommendations, to create a new tram safety body, has still not been fully implemented due to the Government delaying the funding required to set up the body.

“The body which should be driving safety improvements across the UK’s tram networks is still not in full operation.

“We owe it to those who died and those who lost loved ones to ensure a disaster like this never happens again. This delay is unacceptable.”

An LBC investigation last week found the majority of the RAIB’s 15 safety recommendations are yet to be implemented.

These include an automatic braking system, strengthening tram doors and windows, and improving emergency evacuations when a tram is on its side.

Today, a memorial service, attended by the Council leader and Mayor, is being held in New Addington, where the majority of the victims lived.

Families of the tram crash victims criticised the ongoing delay in launching an inquest into the disaster yesterday, as many questions about the incident remain unanswered.