Press releases

Britain's rail industry must maintain a relentless focus on safety as it undergoes major reform, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) says in its annual health and safety report published today. The report comes just weeks after the fatal train collision at Elstow, near Bedford, which highlighted the severe consequences of major rail accidents.

The rail regulator’s annual assessment of Network Rail shows passenger and freight train cancellations reduced in Great Britain in the year to March 2026, while punctuality remained broadly stable. Network Rail exceeded its efficiency target, but inflationary pressures mean reduced plans for renewing the railway. Network Rail must better demonstrate how it will mitigate the effects of renewals

Passenger groups are being invited to comment on the Office of Rail and Road’s proposals to help ensure fairer redress when booked rail passenger assistance is not provided. 

The new Cambridge South railway station has been authorised to open by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), the rail regulator, clearing the way for passengers to travel to and from the station from Sunday 28 June 2026.

Passenger journeys on Great Britain’s rail network have reached record levels, annual data released today by ORR shows 

The rail regulator will cut the cost of investing in Britain's railways by lowering the risk fees Network Rail charges to third parties and private investors, as part of wider work to support economic growth.

Fewer trains are being cancelled in Wales and the West of England and more are arriving on time, following the completion of an investigation into train performance by the rail regulator, and investment and changes to working practices by Network Rail.

The Office of Rail and Road’s Safe AI Innovation Action Plan, published today, sets out how ORR will enable the safe adoption of AI within UK rail and England’s strategic road network.

In its 2026-27 Business Plan, Britain's rail regulator and monitor of National Highways explains how it will protect rail passengers and road users, while itself transforming for the biggest shake-up of the railways in a generation.

The Channel Tunnel Group Limited (CTGL also known as Eurotunnel) has today been fined £2.25 million after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which followed an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).