Regulator announces next stage of the new regulatory programme
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12 April 2000 Regulator announces next stage of the newregulatory programmeThe Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, today published detailedplans for the next twelve months regulating a railway industry facing importantchallenges. In an speech to the Railway Study Association in London later today,Tom Winsor will set out the responsibilities of his Office, as he sees them inrelation to those of the Shadow Strategic Rail Authority (SSRA), Railtrack andthe Government up to and after the enactment of the Transport Bill. Tom Winsorsaid: "With the Transport Bill passing through Parliament, therefranchising process under way, and the rail industry facing the challenge ofrising passenger numbers, the coming year represents a watershed in thedevelopment of railways in Britain. "Legislative changes will bring improved clarity to theregulatory regime, replacing the complexities left behind in the wake ofprivatisation with clearly defined roles for the Rail Regulator and for theStrategic Rail Authority. "My role as the independent Regulator is to setRailtracks access charges, facilitiate investment, supervise access to thenetwork, enforce licences and exercise new powers under the Competition Act1998. The Strategic Rail Authority is a politically accountable body bringingover £1.5bn of Government funding into the rail industry to buy services. Underthe new legislation, it will also take over the consumer protection functionscurrently undertaken by the Rail Regulator. But there is a commonality ofpurpose between the Rail Regulator and the Strategic Rail Authority, workingjointly to ensure that passenger interests come first in the delivery of arailway fit for Britain in the 21st century. "Since I was appointed in July 1999 my Office hasstepped up the pace and effectiveness of regulation very considerably. Theresults are beginning to show, and we are not stopping now. TodaysOperational Plan is a continuation of the intensive work and achievements of thelast eight months. It establishes a programme for the next year which will holdthe railway companies which I regulate properly and fully to account. "Through firm and fair regulation, I will endeavour to ensure that the railway delivers on its promises the patience of passengers, freight users and the taxpayer will allow nothing less. In doing this I recognise that my responsibility to define as clearly as possible what is expected of the companies I regulate and to be transparent, stable and predictable in my decision making." Notes for editors: The ORR Operational Plan is available from the ORR website as an Acrobat PDF file. PRESS ENQUIRIES : ORR Press Office 020 7282 2002/2007 Fax: 020 7282 2047; pager no. 07659 127303.   Copyright © 2000 Office of the Rail Regulator |
