Regulator requires train operator specific plans as part of national rail recovery plan

2 January 2001
ORR/01/01

Railtrack was required today to produce specific rail recovery plans for individual passenger and freight train operators. They have yet to receive adequate TOC (train operating company) specific plans from Railtrack.

The plans must give information on how and when normal operation can be resumed and the milestones as to when it will be achieved.  They must be produced after consultation with the train operators and the HSE (Health & Safety Executive).

Mr  Winsor said:

Good progress is being made with the National Rail Recovery Programme.  However TOC specific plans are needed to underpin the provision of passenger and freight services during its delivery. That is why I am requiring Railtrack to produce these TOC specific plans by Thursday 18 January 2001. Train operators require such plans as well as route by route information so that they can  plan their services properly and with confidence. They must also be able to make an assessment of the adequacy of those plans to deliver a reliable service in the longer term for passenger and freight customers.

Notes to Editors

1. Rail Regulator Tom Winsors action follows a complaint from the owners of all passenger rail franchises and English, Welsh and Scottish Railway Ltd asking him to make the move.
2. At a joint meeting on 15 December 2000, Railtrack outlined its plans which the passenger operators and EWS Ltd regarded as inadequate.  On 21 December 2000 they issued a complaint requesting the Regulator to take urgent action.
3. The Regulator has today issued a provisional enforcement order under section 55 of the Railways Act 1993 to secure compliance with Condition 7 of Railtracks network licence.  The provisional order has immediate effect. Condition 7 requires Railtrack to carry out: the maintenance of the network; the renewal and replacement of the network; and the improvement, enhancement and development of the network, in each case in accordance with best practice and in a timely, economic and efficient manner so as to satisfy the reasonable requirements of persons providing services for the carriage of passengers or goods by railway and funders in respect of the quality and capability of the network.

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