Temporary speed restrictions

Following the Hatfield derailment in 2000, the number of temporary speed restrictions (TSRs) on the network rose sharply. This was addressed by the National Rail Recovery Plan which renewed a significant amount of rail to improve the condition of the network. However, the number of TSRs did not start a sustained reduction until as late as summer 2002.

Since then the overall number of TSRs have continued to decrease although in the short term there are some fluctuations.

Given that TSRs are imposed for safety reasons, the Office of Rail Regulation (ORR) will continue to monitor and review both the long-term trend and the short-term fluctuations."