Press releases
ORR recommends further action to tackle signalling market competition concerns
11 May 2021
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The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has found that competition needs to be improved in Great Britain’s railway signalling market particularly as new technologies are rolled out as part of Network Rail’s delivery of the Digital Railway programme. This follows completion of the first stage of our study into this important market. ORR intends to take action to address this issue.
New tool to improve health and safety management of heritage railways
28 April 2021
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The Office of Rail and Road has launched a risk management model tailored for heritage railways to help control health and safety risks.
Tyne Wear Metro operator fined £1.5 million following ORR prosecution after death of employee
23 April 2021
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Tyne Wear Metro operator, Nexus, has been fined £1.5 million today after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974., for failing to ensure the safety of staff.
Network Rail fined nearly £700,000 following ORR prosecution after serious fire accident
21 April 2021
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Network Rail has been fined £696,666 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act, for failing to protect the safety of staff following an incident at Godinton substation in Kent at the end of 2018.
Rail regulator’s review prompts industry action on website accessibility and passenger information
6 April 2021
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The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has led train and station operators to improve passenger information on websites, and to confirm operators are fulfilling commitments to achieve industry-recognised accessibility standards.
DB Cargo fined £200,000 for failing to protect safety of its workers
22 March 2021
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DB Cargo has today been fined £200,000 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work Act for failing to protect the safety of its workers following an incident at its Dollands Moor freight yard in 2018.
Passenger numbers and season ticket usage rise between October and December 2020
11 March 2021
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A total of 140 million rail journeys were made in Great Britain in October, November and December 2020 and season ticket usage by passengers increased to 23% of pre-Covid levels, according to official statistics by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
Tens of thousands of railway staff trained in understanding disabled people’s needs
2 March 2021
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Tens of thousands of railway staff are being trained to communicate more effectively with disabled passengers, understand the challenges they may face when travelling, and to refresh their knowledge and skills to provide any assistance needed.
John Larkinson confirmed as ORR Chief Executive Officer
23 February 2021
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The Office of Rail and Road has confirmed John Larkinson as Chief Executive Officer, following a public competition.