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Access regulation

We approve all new framework agreements and revisions to existing framework agreements (i.e. track access contracts covering the reservation of capacity for more than one timetable period of six months) for use on the HS1 network.

We also have an appeal role in respect of the terms of track access and more generally under The Railways Infrastructure (Access and Management) Regulations 2005.

Any potential operator on HS1 is more than welcome to approach ORR for an introductory meeting, if it so wishes.

Criteria and procedures

We have published a document on the criteria and procedures (PDF 679 Kb) which we expect to follow in approving track access contracts for the HS1 network (“the C&Ps”). We expect train operators (both current and potential), HS1 Limited, together with any other interested parties, to follow the criteria and procedures set out when negotiating and submitting applications for access to the HS1 network.

The C&Ps document is continually reviewed and updated to take account of changing circumstances and policies. Parties are therefore advised to confirm that they are using the most recent edition, which will always be the version contained on this webpage.

Our regulation of HS1 reflects the specific circumstances of HS1 Limited and the HS1 network, and is not intended to create any expectation about our approach to regulation of the Great Britain national network, or other networks, including any future high speed lines.

Application forms

We expect that standard application forms are used for all new track access contracts, and for amendments to existing track access contracts. More information on the application process is contained in the C&Ps. The application forms for track access contracts on HS1 are available below in MS Word format.

  • Form P (Word 180 Kb) - application for approval of a passenger framework agreement.
  • Form F (Word 187 Kb) - application for approval of a freight framework agreement.

Template track access contracts

Template track access contracts and standard access terms are available on the HS1 website.

Access to HS1

Prior to our pre-approval role becoming effective in October 2009, HS1 Limited entered into framework agreements with Eurostar UK Limited (EUKL) and London and South Eastern Railway Limited (LSER) for passenger services on HS1. We confirmed that had our powers been in effect at this time, providing the parties were content to enter into the agreements, we would have been prepared to approve them.

The HS1 Network Code

Part C of the HS1 Network Code provides processes by which the Code can be modified.

  • Condition C2, which provides a process whereby HS1 or a Train Operator can propose changes; and
  • Condition C3, which provides the ORR with a right to propose changes.

Recent modifications are listed below. These documents are available to download as Adobe Acrobat PDF files.

Proposals Date approved Links to documents
Approval of proposals for amendment to Part D of HS1 Network Code 17 Jan 2013. Approval notice
Covering letter
HS1 Network Code

HS1 access dispute resolution rules

Part I of the HS1 Network Code includes a requirement for HS1 Limited to review its Access Dispute Resolution Procedure. HS1 has published Access Dispute Resolution Rules, designed to provide a clear and efficient structure for dealing with disputes which arise under access contracts.

HS1 appeals

Details of appeals, past and present, related to HS1 can be found in this section.

Related documents

Access to HS1

HS1 access dispute resolution rules

Last updated: April 2013