Asset register

Network Rail needs to have comprehensive and reliable information about the condition, capacity and capability of the network. Information of that kind is also needed by others, including funders, train operators, rolling stock manufacturers, suppliers, developers of new railway facilities (such as freight terminals), local authorities and Passenger Transport Executives.

On 18 April 2001, the network licence was amended to include a new condition (condition 24) which requires the network operator to establish and maintain a register of this information, to a high standard of accuracy and completeness. Network Rail must comply with a set of guidelines in doing this.

On 20 December 2007, Network Rail wrote to us to confirm that it considered that it had reached compliance with condition 24. After using the independent reporter to audit Network Rail’s work, we wrote to the company on 14 May 2008, acknowledging that sufficient progress had been made to reach technical compliance with the guidelines. Because this is such an important area, we will continue to monitor Network Rail’s activities and progress for the foreseeable future.

We will consider what asset information obligations are appropriate for Network Rail in the review of the network licence.

Documentation

The documents below are available for download as PDF files: