ORR takes next steps in strengthening Network Rail’s accountability
29 April 2005
ORR/21/05
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) has today taken the next steps in modifying Network Rail’s network licence to ensure that Network Rail is accountable for the new responsibilities placed on it following the Government’s White Paper, The Future of Rail, published in July 2004.
The new responsibilities concern whole industry performance, industry planning, and route utilisation strategies (RUSs). ORR consulted in March this year on the proposed modifications to Network Rail’s network licence. Following consideration of responses to that consultation, and consent to the proposed modifications by Network Rail, ORR is now moving to the next stage – statutory consultation on its proposals under section 12(2) of the Railways Act 1993.
ORR is also consulting on the guidelines Network Rail should follow in developing RUSs.
The closing date for responses is 31 May 2005.
Notes for editors:
- Notice of proposed modifications to Network Rail’s network licence: Industry performance and planning and route utilisation strategies is available above, and also from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045.
- ORR’s March 2005 consultation document, Implementing the Future of Rail: Proposed modifications to Network Rail’s network licence is available above, and also from the ORR Librarian, Sue MacSwan, 1 Waterhouse Square, 138–142 Holborn, London EC1N 2TQ, tel: 020 7282 2001, fax: 020 7282 2045.
- The Government’s White Paper is available in the external links.
- The White Paper led to the Railways Act 2005, which was enacted on 7 April 2005 and is available in the external links.
Press enquiries
ORR Press Office – 020 7282 2007/2141
out of office hours – pager 07659 127 303
