ORR welcomes the Law Commission decision on level crossing legislation
11 June 2008
ORR/20/08
The Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) today welcomed the announcement by the Law Commission that the law governing level crossings will form part of their tenth programme of law reform.
ORR believes that the present law needs to be modernised, and after consulting with key stakeholders, prepared a joint submission with the Department for Transport suggesting this work to the Commission.
ORR now looks forward to working with the Law Commission over the course of this project, providing information and support when necessary. ORR encourages other stakeholders with an interest to participate and to work with the Commission to make improvements.
Linda Williams, chief inspector of railways said: “I am delighted to see level crossings form part of the Law Commission's programme.
“We will do what we can to help the Commission take the work forward. We believe the project has the potential to help reduce risks at level crossings, while at the same time enabling gains in efficiency, for both road and rail users. I would encourage participation in the project from the rail industry and others to ensure that we make the most of this opportunity.”
Notes for editors
- The law regulating the use, safety requirements, closure and other aspects of railway level crossings is antiquated and fragmented – much of it being in nineteenth century private legislation. The project will undertake a general review of the law with a view to providing a modern, accessible and balanced legal structure for their regulation.
- The programme of reform will run to April 2011.
- Over 150 projects were initially submitted, and seven were finally chosen.
- More information about the Office of Rail Regulation can be found on our website.
- More information about the Law Commission's programme of reform can be found at: http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/programmes.htm.
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