Infrastructure and rolling stock

Railway infrastructure consists primarily of the tracks, formation and supporting structures (bridges, viaducts and tunnels), stations and electrified lines. Signalling and train control equipment also form part of the infrastructure.

Under health and safety law, we have powers of investigation and enforcement to ensure that railway operators are controlling risks posed by rolling stock operations and infrastructure, so far as is reasonably practicable.

In this section

• Level crossings – The different types of level crossings and our current policies.
• Signals passed at danger – the implications of a train passing a red signal.
• Train protection – the different types of protection available in order to prevent signals passed at danger, amongst other things.
• Crowding on trains – although we generally don’t have any authority about crowding on trains, there are certain instances where we get involved. This section also provides details of who to complain to if you experience crowding on trains.
• Mark I rolling stock – Mark 1 rolling stock is used to describe a series of vehicle types, built mainly in the 1960s and 1970s, which share certain characteristics. 
• Road/Rail interface – situations where rail and road come into contact.
• Station safety – general guidance on keeping stations safe for passengers, including issues of crowding on trains.
• Route crime - commonly known as trespass and vandalism. This sets out our policies to combat these problems.

Last updated: 25 February 2008