Signalling review

ORR’s Signalling Review will determine the funding necessary to renew and maintain the signalling systems in an efficient manner. Driving down unit and total costs, minimising operational disruption and improving reliability for railway users are key issues under consideration. It is looking at signalling in its widest context – from the signals themselves to control centres, level crossings and train protection. The Signalling Review will also address other related issues such as the introduction of new technology, enhancements and safety requirements.

Background

In the Access Charges Review 2003 (ACR2003), the Rail Regulator concluded that Network Rail’s signalling strategy was insufficiently developed to support its proposed increase in signalling renewals spending in the last three years of the control period. Therefore, the final conclusions of ACR2003 provided for an interim review of signalling costs (the Signalling Review) to be carried out.

A two phase review

Following the consultation document in November 2004 it has been agreed that the review will be done in two phases. We have now published the final conclusions for the medium-term review which determines the funding for CP3 (to 2009).

The 2005 Railways Act introduced some important changes to the conduct of access charges reviews and the Periodic Review 2008 will be conducted in a significantly different way. As a result, we have decided to change the timescales for the long-term Signalling Review so that it is more closely aligned to the Periodic Review process. The long-term review will determine the funding for CP4 (to 2014).

Documentation

The following documents are available for download as PDF files:

Consultants' papers