Economic regulation

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent monitor of National Highways' performance and efficiency. This role was established in 2015 as part of the Government's road reform package.

The Office of Rail and Road, independent monitor of National Highways, has ensured steps have been taken by the government-owned company to increase the transparency of its performance at a regional level.

With the constant swirl of news you would be forgiven for missing the Department for Transport’s recent publication of the document which gives the green light to start the development process for the third Road Investment Strategy (‘RIS3' for short).

The most important thing to passengers after safety is the punctuality and reliability of trains. In 2018, performance in Network Rail’s North West and Central region (NW&C) deteriorated and failed to substantially recover during 2019.

Every road death or serious injury on the road network leaves a lasting effect on families, friends as well as those involved in dealing with such incidents.

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is increasing its scrutiny of future road funding for the strategic road network as plans are drawn up for the third road investment strategy (RIS3).

The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is calling for Network Rail to take action to retain a railway which more reflects the train service performance improvements seen over the pandemic, as more passengers return to the railway.

An Office of Rail and Road (ORR) review commissioned into how Network Rail (NR) plans for and delivers engineering works has found that while there have been some recent improvements, further work is required to minimise disruption to passengers and ensure public money is spent appropriately.