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Rail interoperability and standards

Rail interoperability and standards documentation and information.

From:
Department for Transport
Published
6 September 2013
Last updated
19 January 2022 — See all updates

Interoperability supports safe and technical compatibility of trains and infrastructure and enables the railway to compete more effectively with other forms of transport. It establishes common standards and assessment processes for new, upgraded or renewed rail vehicles, infrastructure and components.

For updates and news, subscribe to interoperability@dft.gov.uk.

Scope of rail interoperability regulations

Interoperability is set by the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011, as amended for EU Exit.

The following guidance explains:

  • what work is in scope of the interoperability regulations
  • what work is exempt from the interoperability regulations
  • how the interoperability regulations, and rail safety regulations, have been amended for the end of the EU Exit transition period

Compliance with interoperability standards

In Great Britain, work in scope of the interoperability regulations must be assessed for compliance with:

  1. Relevant National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs).
  2. UK National Technical Rules (NTRs).

NTSN and NTR assessment is completed by UK approved and designated bodies.

If unable to meet all or part of the standards, a rail project entity may apply for:

  • an exemption from the standards
  • a decision about whether an authorisation is required for upgrade and renewal work

Authorised rail vehicles are listed on the Network Rail website.

UK interoperability implementation plans

The UK produced implementation plans for meeting EU Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) requirements nationally. The TSI requirements are now contained within National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) for Great Britain, and the implementation plans remain valid.

Review of interoperability regulations

In 2016, the rail interoperability regulations were analysed for:

  • costs
  • benefits
  • achievement of goals

Updates to this page

Published 6 September 2013
Last updated 19 January 2022 + show all updates

  1. Added Railway interoperability: stakeholder guidance.

  2. Updated in line with Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011, as amended for EU Exit.

  3. Added Railways interoperability EU Exit regulations, Railways interoperability EU Exit regulations Keeling and Railway safety legislation: stakeholder guidance.

  4. EU exit guidance and help notes.

  5. Multiple decision letters from 2017 added.

  6. New decision letters published.

  7. New decision letters published.

  8. Post implementation review of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2011.

  9. Decision letters on upgrade of signalling systems in the Heathrow Tunnel and onboard signalling system for new Siemens class 700 trains.

  10. NNTR, TSI catalogue, scope and interdependencies updated.

  11. Implementation plan for energy TSI, letters on the telematics applications for passengers and freight implementation plan and an update to the notified national technical rules published.

  12. New decision letters published.

  13. First published.

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