Press releases

Network Rail has today been fined £1.2 million after pleading guilty to an offence under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, following an investigation and prosecution by industry regulator the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

The Office of Rail and Road has today published guidance designed to help heritage railway and tramway operators give young volunteers, aged from 14 to minimum school leaving age, the chance to learn new skills while making sure the right safeguards are in place.

National Highways delivered most of its targets and capital commitments for the ‘interim period’ between April 2025 and March 2026, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) said today in its annual assessment of National Highways. However, the company did not progress some of its programmes intended to prepare it for the third Road Period (RP3) and ORR is calling for improved planning and controls to aid

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.