ORR’s approach to combined safety and economic regulation
15 April 2005
ORR/17/05
The first step in the transfer of responsibility for health and safety regulation for railway activities from the Health and Safety Commission/Executive (HSC/E) to the ORR has been taken by the passing of the Railways Act 2005.
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today published an information bulletin Combining Safety and Economic Regulation that sets out how ORR is approaching its future responsibilities as both the safety and economic regulator for the rail industry.
ORR expects to assume its new responsibilities as the combined safety and economic regulator around the end of 2005. For this to happen further regulations supporting the Railways Act will need to be put in place and arrangements made, including the appropriate transfer of staff from HSE.
Chris Bolt, Chairman of the ORR said:
‘’Much has already been done, but much work remains before ORR takes on safety regulation by the end of the year. ORR is working closely with colleagues in the Health and Safety Executive and at the Department for Transport to prepare for a seamless transfer and to locate safety at the heart of our work. It is our intention to issue further Bulletins over the course of the year to inform stakeholders of the progress that is being made.’’
Combining Safety and Economic Regulation explains what functions are to be transferred to ORR by the Railways Act and what further legislation and processes need to be put in place for ORR to be positioned to embrace the safety regulation responsibilities set out in the Government’s White paper – The Future of Rail. The Bulletin also explains ORR thinking on where further consultation with stakeholders will be necessary during 2005 to produce regulations and processes that will optimise ORR’s role of furthering continual improvement to safety and performance in the most cost-effective way.
Notes for editors:
- Combining Safety and Economic Regulation - Bulletin No 1, is available above and from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045.
- The Railways Act 2005, which received Royal Assent on 07 April 2005, gives ORR responsibility for safety regulation. As a result, Health and Safety Executive Rail (HSE Rail), which includes Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate (HMRI), will transfer to ORR.
- A copy of the Government’s White Paper, The Future of Rail, is available from the Department for Transport website.
Press enquiries
ORR Press Office – 020 7282 2007/2141
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