News

The benefits to road users from the second road investment strategy (RIS2, running from 2020 – 2025) for England’s strategic road network risk not being delivered in full, regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) warned today.

The rail industry must change the way it works together so it is better able to meet the challenges of climate change and deliver the safe, punctual and reliable railway that passengers and freight expect and deserve. So emphasised John Larkinson, Office of Rail and Road chief executive, addressing members of the industry today.

Ian Prosser reviews the successes and challenges during his time as HM Chief Inspector of Railways and offers advice to his successor Richard Hines, who also shares what he expects to achieve in his new role.

As the rail regulator, we have legal duties to contribute to sustainable development, and to consider the railway’s effect on the environment. One of the ways we make sure operators are protecting the environment is through our role in licencing the railway, with a specific environment condition in all railway licences.

We have published new guidance on the application of rail safety regulations to train protection systems, which will support duty holders understand their obligations as they migrate to modern signalling systems.

Today the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) has published for the first time, the track access dashboard, an overview of how passenger and freight train operators are using the capacity available across the UK rail network (access rights) and how effectively the rail industry is meeting timetabling timescales.

Today is Earth Day, an annual event to demonstrate support for environmental protection.

The Office of Rail and Road’s report, published today, finds some disabled passengers have experienced accessibility difficulties with the rail complaints process. There is also a lack of awareness of how to seek redress for booked assistance failures.