Publications

Here you'll find all our publications, reports, determinations and statements. 
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Driver Controlled Operation (DCO)

4 January 2017
The issue of safety relating to the interface between the platform and train and the safe dispatch of trains is an area of focus for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) and the industry.

Railway safety inquiry follow up

25 November 2016
Letter to Louise Ellman MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee, from Ian Prosser, Director of Railway Safety, re-stating ORR’s position on Driver Only Operations (DOO).

Competence

2 November 2016
We have produced detailed guidance on developing and maintaining staff competence.

Electrical clearances to standing surfaces for 25kV overhead electrification policy statement

18 October 2016
This statement sets out and clarifies ORR’s policy on the issue of clearances from parts of 25kV electrification systems to standing surfaces to which members of the public may foreseeably gain access. The principles discussed here should act as guidance for people carrying out infrastructure design work, when looking specifically at the issue of electrical clearances.

Railway safety levy consultation

28 September 2016
We sought views on a standard format for the submission of railway service providers’ financial information to us for safety levy apportionment purposes.

New General Approval for freight track access contracts

19 September 2016
Date published: 30 September 2016 Closing date: 11 November 2016, 5pm The purpose of this consultation was to seek views on a proposed new General Approval for freight track access contracts, to replace the Freight Access (Track Access Contracts) General Approval 2012. The new General Approval reflects changes in industry processes and the model freight track access contracts, and modifications to

Review of the General Approval (Stations) 2013 and General Approval (Depots) 2013

25 August 2016
This consultation is now closed. Review of the general approvals - final conclusions Our final conclusions following our consultation on reviewing the General Approval (Stations) 2013 and General Approval (Depots) 2013. Review of the General Approval (Stations) 2013 & General Approval (Depots) 2013 – final conclusions 27 January 2017 General approval for stations (2017) General approval for depots

Periodic review 2018 (PR18) initial consultation and conclusions

10 August 2016
In May 2016, we published our first major consultation on the 2018 periodic review (PR18). PR18 would determine Network Rail Infrastructure Limited’s (Network Rail’s) outputs and funding in control period 6 (CP6, which will run from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2024). P

Network Charges - a consultation on how charges can improve efficiency

3 August 2016
Date published: 10 December 2015 Closing date: 4 March 2016 This consultation looked at the way in which Network Rail charges train operators for use of its network. These charges affect decisions made by operators, Network Rail and funders. This was the first consultation as part of a comprehensive review of Network Rail’s structure of charges for Control Period 6, (CP6) - (2019-2024) and beyond

Monitoring Highways England’s network investment

20 July 2016
This consultation has now concluded. Conclusions and next steps We consulted on our approach to monitoring Highways England’s delivery of its network investment in summer 2016. The approach detailed in this document takes account of the responses received and sets out how the ORR monitors Highways England’s network investment plans and delivery of those plans, against the requirements of the Road

Guidance on The Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regulations 2016

20 July 2016
This consultation is now closed. Conclusions Our conclusion to the consultation and the final guidance document were published on Wednesday 21 December 2016. Consultation responses were received from four stakeholders, and we have responded to all points raised. These include: The inclusion of flow-charts for ease of use The extension of time-limits to 10 working days Various points on the scope

ORR’s approach to monitoring and reviewing markets

20 July 2016
This consultation is now closed. Publication of updated guidance On 30 January 2017, having considered responses to our consultation, we published the final version of our approach to monitoring and reviewing markets. ORR response to consultation Angel Trains Ltd response to consultation Rail Delivery Group response to consultation ORR’s guidance on approach to monitoring and reviewing markets The

Review of Outcome Frameworks in other Regulated Sectors

30 June 2016
This page contains details of the Office of Rail and Road’s (ORR’s) work in informing its input into the second Road Investment Strategy (RIS2) 2020/21-2024/25. A key aspect of ORR’s role as Highways Monitor is to provide advice to the Secretary of State for Transport in relation to draft Road Investment Strategies – and in particular, whether the Strategies set for Highways England are both

Competition Act 1998 guidance

31 March 2016
Guidance on ORR’s approach to the enforcement of the Competition Act 1998 in relation to the supply of services relating to railways