How to apply for freight track access

For guidance on how to apply for a track access contract for a freight operator, please read our criteria and procedures for the approval of track access contracts.

You will need to use the freight model contract.

Application forms

The application forms to accompany freight track access applications under each of sections 17, 18, 22 and 22A are available below in Word and PDF format:

• Section 17 (Word 2000) (PDF)
• Section 18 (Word 2000) (PDF)
• Section 22 (Word 2000) (PDF)
• Section 22A (Word 2000) (PDF)

Freight general approvals

We have powers under sections 18 and 22 of the Act  to grant general approvals. The current freight general approvals are listed below: 

• The Freight Access (Changes to Track Access Contracts) General Approval 2009 permits Network Rail and the train operator to make amends to their track access agreement, subject to certain conditions without our specific approval. The amendments permitted are described in the general approval, which includes an explanatory note. Any amendments beyond those permitted will require our specific approval under section 22 or directions under section 22A of the Act.
• The Freight model contract update - General Approval allows any amendments which are necessary to freight track access agreements to reflect the version of the freight model contract published on 23 January 2008.
• Supplemental Agreement (Interim Treatment of Access Charges Review) General Approval 2008 enables train operators and Network Rail to amend their track access contracts to facilitate the implementation of the Periodic Review 2008 on 1 April 2008. See our Periodic Review 2008 documents page (see 23 October 2008) for further details.
• General approval for new freight access contracts - enables Network Rail and an operator to enter into a track access contract for freight spot bid rights.
• General approval for new freight access contracts - model contract showing areas which would need to be completed by the parties (Word version).

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Last updated: 25 November 2009

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