Asset knowledge and accountability - Regulator proposes new licence conditions for Railtrack

14 September 2000
ORR/00/31

Asset knowledge and accountability - Regulator proposes new licence conditions for Railtrack

In a consultation document published today, the Rail Regulator, Tom Winsor, has proposed two new licence conditions for Railtracks network licence. The first would require Railtrack to establish a register of the condition, capacity and capability of its assets. The second would require Railtrack to develop and honour a code of practice for its dealings with third parties such as train operators, rolling stock manufacturers, funders and freight facility developers.

Commenting on these proposals, Tom Winsor said:

It is vital, both for Railtrack and its customers, that Railtrack has a sound knowledge of its assets without this it cannot operate economically and efficiently. In the last two years the company has started and abandoned two projects to tackle these problems. Its third attempt is underway, and it is making progress. However, I am not satisfied that the establishment and maintenance of an appropriate register of assets and asset condition can be left to the discretion of Railtrack. There is significant industry concern in this respect and it is my view that the companys network licence needs to be strengthened to provide a clear and continuing obligation to have a comprehensive asset register.

It  is  in  the nature  of  the railway  industry  that  a large number  of  people  must  deal  with  Railtrack in the course of operating and developing passenger and freight services. Railtracks dependent customers have a right to expect high standards of efficiency and co-ordination, and I believe that a code of practice is needed.

This document Consultation on proposed modifications to Railtracks network licence is available as an Actobat PDF file from this link or in hard copy from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138-142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045, e-mail: rail.library@orr.gsi.gov.uk.