Office of Rail Regulation publishes consultation document on signalling

17 November 2004
ORR/44/04

The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today published a consultation document on its proposed review of Network Rail’s future signalling expenditure. The consultation document explains the context of this review, and sets out ORR’s proposed approach to:

  • establishing what Network Rail needs to spend to renew and maintain signalling systems in an efficient manner; and
  • how the introduction of new train control technology, system improvements and safety requirements should be resolved.

    • The former Rail Regulator concluded, in the Access Charges Review 2003, that Network Rail’s signalling strategy was insufficiently well developed to support its proposed increase in signalling renewals spending. Therefore, the conclusions allowed for a further review in respect of the last three years of Control Period 3 (2004-2009).

    Chris Bolt, ORR’s Chairman, said:

    “While it is right that Network Rail should only proceed with schemes where it is satisfied that the costs are appropriate, it is also clear that longer term certainty would be desirable to provide a firmer basis both for suppliers and for Network Rail itself.

    “So, the approach proposed in this consultation document considers ways in which this may be achieved. The approach proposed seeks to achieve early certainty on schemes currently being planned for the period to 2009, but also aims to provide a more certain basis for longer term planning.
     
    “It will be particularly challenging to reach conclusions which provide sufficient longer term certainty, while still being responsive to changing requirements and technical innovation. But if this can be achieved, the result will be better value for money for rail users and funders.”

    Notes for editors

    1. The consultation period for the Signalling Expenditure Review: Initial Consultation Document closes on Monday 17 January 2005.

    2. Signalling Review: Initial Consultation Document is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/216.pdf, and is also available 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.

    3. Access Charges Review 2003: Final Conclusions is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/184.pdf, and is also available from the ORR Librarian at the above address.

    4. Implementing The Future of Rail: ORR’s Role and Proposed Work Programme is available from the ORR website at http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/upload/pdf/211.pdf, and is also available from the ORR Librarian at the above address.

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