Decision

Rail interoperability: exemptions and decisions

Updated 24 October 2024

These vehicle and infrastructure projects have been given exemption from certain requirements under the Railways Interoperability Regulations 2011.

The determination letters are available on request from interoperability@dft.gov.uk.

Category	Company	Topic Type of Request	Description	Outcome	Date signed	NTSN/TSI
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 14 decision on the customer information displays at Winslow Station.	Granted	19/08/2024	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision on whether ENE NTSN authorisation is required for the South of Bedford OLE project	Granted	27/07/2024	ENE NTSN
Decision	Siemens	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision on whether an APIS is required for operating ETCS Level NTC or with ETCS in a transitional state.	Granted	20/06/2024	CCS NTSN
Decision	Alstom	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision to remove the authorisation requirements to retrofit the SWR Class 458/5 to a previously authorised design.	Granted	19/06/2024	LOC&PAS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision to remove the requirement to authorise the extensions of platforms at several stations on the Leeds Northwest Platform Extension Project	Granted	18/06/2024	INF NTSN
Decision	GreenBrier	Vehicle	Regulation 14 decision in relation to the use of a specific composite brake blocks in freight wagons	Granted	14/06/2024	WAG NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision to remove the authorisation requirements of the INF NTSN for the Duddeston on network works project	Granted	07/06/2024	INF NTSN
Exemption	Tees Valley Combined Authority	Infrastructure	Regulation 14 decision in relation to the staircase width of Darlington Station multistorey car park	Granted	22/05/2024	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for tactile wayfinding at Morley Station	Granted	22/04/2024	PRM NTSN
Decision	Grand Central	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision for the operation of Class 180 vehicles in ETCS Level- National Train Control (L-NTC) mode.	Granted	18/03/2024	CCS NTSN
Exemption	Alstom	Vehicle	Regulation 14 decision that an older version of NTRs can be used to gain authorisation for certain CL730/2 West Midlands AVENTRA trains due to them being at an advanced stage when the newer NTRs came into effect.	Granted	29/01/2024	LOC&PAS and CCS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the Hairmyres Loop element of the East Kilbride Programme	Granted	20/12/2023	INF NTSN
Decision	Network rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that Authorisation is not required for the works to enable increased capacity in the Dore and Bamford areas.	Granted	18/12/2023	PRM and INF NTSN
Exemption	Stadler	Vehicle	Innovative solutions exemption for a novel coupler solution on Stadler Class 93 units.	Granted	22/05/2023	LOC & PAS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Hartlepool station redevelopment works	Refused	16/05/2023	PRM and INF NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for redevelopment works at Newbridge and Llanhilleth stations, but that the tactile wayfinding requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	12/05/2023	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Siemens	Vehicle	Economic viability exemption for several standards in the CCS NTSN for some upgraded Class 717 units.	Granted	05/05/2023	CCS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for redevelopment works at Newbridge station, but that the shortest practical route requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	18/04/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Scotland’s Railway	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for three new electricity grid connection in Scotland	Granted	15/03/2023	ENE NTSN
Decision	Transport for Wales	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for 7 upgrades on the Core Valley Lines and that the spoken information requirements must be applied.	Refused	10/03/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Transport for Wales	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for 7 upgrades on the Core Valley Lines, but that the tactile wayfinding requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	10/03/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for the Transpennine Route Upgrade E234 project, but that the SRT NTSN may be disapplied.	Granted	08/03/2023	SRT NTSN
Decision	Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for the Porth Transport Hub project, but that the tactile wayfinding requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	01/03/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Casteleford development project, but that the tactile wayfinding requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	01/03/2023	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for a new station at East Linton regarding the danger area markings requirements in the PRM NTSN.	Granted	22/02/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for the Northern City Line ETCS project, but that one requirement in the CCS NTSN may be disapplied.	Granted	20/12/2022	CCS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Gatwick Airport Development project and that the Braille/Prismatic information requirements should apply.	Refused	13/12/2022	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Gatwick Airport Development project, but that the tactile wayfinding requirements may be disapplied.	Granted	13/12/2022	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Economic viability exemption for one standard in the INF NTSN at Hayes and Harlington station.	Granted	01/12/2022	INF NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for works relocating station building at New Southgate station.	Granted	30/11/2022	PRM NTSN
Decision	Scotland’s Railway	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for upgrading the existing line near the new Inverness Airport station.	Granted	24/11/2022	INF NTSN
Exemption	Barnet London Borough Council	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for a new station at Brent Cross West regarding the danger area markings requirements in the PRM NTSN.	Granted	04/11/2022	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the infrastructure works taking place on one platform at Dalton-in-Furness station.	Granted	14/10/2022	INF and PRM NTSNs
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for a new station at Inverness Airport regarding the danger area markings requirements in the PRM NTSN.	Granted	30/08/2022	PRM NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the replacement of existing platform structures and additional works under the ‘Access for All’ scheme at Billingham station.	Granted	30/08/2022	INF and PRM NTSNs
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for Western Stage B ETCS project between Paddington and Heathrow, regarding the transition between Level 2/3 and Level NTC on the track.	Granted	01/06/2022	CCS NTSN
Decision	Transport for Wales	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the Class B signalling project on the Core Valley Lines.	Granted	10/05/2022	CCS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the Cambrian ETCS RBC upgrade between Dovey junction and Pwllheli station (known as the Pwllheli Line).	Granted	28/02/2022	CCS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Stage C ETCS system between Paddington and Stockley Junction is required. As part of the decision, the Department is enabling a non-compliance with the “metal free zone” limits outlined in the CCS NTSN.	Granted	07/01/2022	CCS NTSN
Exemption	Scotland’s Railway	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for new station at Reston regarding the danger area markings requirements in the PRM NTSN.	Granted	08/12/2021	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Reading Borough Council	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption for new station at Reading Green Park regarding the danger area markings requirements in the PRM NTSN.	Granted	08/12/2021	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Innovative solutions exemption applying to eight stations for the SRT NTSN requirement regarding the width and height of the evacuation doors.	Granted	05/11/2021	SRT NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for a new ETCS system between Paddington and Stockley Junction. As part of the decision, the department is enabling four areas of non-compliance within the CCS NTSN.	Granted	17/08/2021	CCS NTSN
Decision	Porterbrook	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for converting existing electric multiple-units (EMUs) into hydrogen-powered trains.	Granted	17/08/2021	LOC & PAS, SRT and NOI NTSN
Decision	Thurrock Council	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the redevelopment of Stanford-le-Hope station.	Granted	22/07/2021	PRM NTSN and ENE NTSN
Decision	Greater Anglia	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for platform extensions at Hertford East, Ware, Broxbourne, Stratford, and Northumberland Park stations.	Granted	09/07/2021	INF NTSN and PRM NTSN
Exemption	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Advanced stage exemption for some requirements in INF, CCS, SRT, PRM and ENE NTSNs.	Refused	10/03/2021	INF, CCS, SRT, PRM and ENE NTSNs
Decision	Northumberland County Council	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the Northumberland Line track upgrade works.	Granted	04/02/2021	INF NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for the extension of platform 2 at Middlesbrough Station.	Granted	01/02/2021	INF and PRM NTSNs
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation of the new platforms and footbridge extension at Bletchley station is required but clause 4.2.1.2.3(2) of the PRM TSI can be disapplied.	Granted	07/12/2020	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation of Wellingborough Platform 4 and footbridge extension is required but clause 4.2.1.2.3(2) of the PRM TSI can be disapplied.	Granted	14/10/2020	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation of the Sussex Coastway platform extensions is not needed.	Granted	30/07/2020	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU) and INF TSI (2014/1299/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation of the Liphook Station footbridge renewal is needed and that the PRM TSI applies.	Granted	10/03/2020	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for upgrade of Severn Tunnel contact wire	Granted	02/09/2019	ENE TSI (2014/1301/EU)
Derogation	Bombardier	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for East Anglia Class 720 and South Western Class 701 vehicles	Granted	26/06/2019	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	CAF	Vehicle	Addition of extra Class 195 vehicles to advanced stage derogation for GSM-R cab mobiles on CAF fleets	Granted	05/06/2019	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for WAML upgrade of Tottenham Hale and Northumberland Park stations	Granted	24/05/2019	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Network Rail (supplementary decision)	Infrastructure	Supplementary Regulation 13 decision under RIR 2011 relating to GSM-R Voice Cab Mobile	Granted	31/10/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision under RIR 2011 relating to GSM-R Voice Cab Mobile	Granted	02/10/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Linsinger	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Linsinger SF06-UK Duplex Rail Borne Milling Train	Granted	26/09/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Bombardier	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for new Class 710 Aventura (LOTRAIN) Electric Multiple Units	Granted	20/09/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Dispensation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Regulation 46 dispensation against the notified national technical rule for platform heights.	Granted	11/05/2018	NNTRs
Derogation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for some requirements in INF, PRM and SRT TSI.	Granted	12/04/2018	INF, PRM and SRT TSI
Derogation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for additional CCS TSI requirements introduced in 2016.	Granted	19/01/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Siemens Desiro City Moorgate Class 717s	Granted	12/01/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail-Thameslink	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision on public address noise levels and wheelchair spaces on platforms	Granted	16/11/2017	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Hitachi Rail	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for East Coast Class 800/1s, 801s, and 801/2s	Granted	14/09/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Hitachi Rail	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Great Western IEP fleet and Scotrail Class 385s	Granted	13/09/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 745s and 755s	Granted	23/08/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail Valencia	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Merseyrail EMUs	Granted	23/08/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Plasser UK Ltd	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for On-Track Machine vehicles used on the Crossrail network	Granted	20/06/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for GSM-R infrastructure in the Heathrow tunnels	Granted	20/06/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Vivarail	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision on pass-by noise requirements for Class 230s	Granted	07/06/2017	Noise TSI (2014/1304/EU)
Decision	Network Rail-Thameslink	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decisions and advanced stage derogation for Thameslink infrastructure	Granted	08/05/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU); PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU); SRT TSI (2014/1303/EU); INF TSI (2014/1299/EU); ENE TSI (2014/1301/EU)
Derogation	Rail for London Limited	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Crossrail Class 345s	Granted	24/04/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Loram	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Loram C44 rail grinder vehicles	Granted	27/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	CAF Rail UK Ltd	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 195s, 331s, 397s and Mk5a coaches	Granted	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Linsinger	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for MG31-UK rail borne milling train	Granted	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	GE Transportation	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 70 locomotives	Granted	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail Valencia	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 68 and 88 locomotives	Granted	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens AG	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for South West Trains Class 707s	Granted	22/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Eurotunnel	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Krupp locomotives project	Granted	15/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for national Class B signalling project	Granted	13/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens AG	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Thameslink Class 700s	Granted	20/10/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for Heathrow Tunnels ETCS system	Granted	25/08/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for fitting KVB signalling system at Ashford International Station	Granted	04/12/2015	CCS TSI (2012/88/EU)
Decision	HS1 Limited	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for HS1 GSM-R project	Granted	12/02/2015	HS CCS TSI (2006/860/EC)
Derogation	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for new build switch and panel crossing vehicles	Granted	17/10/2014	WAG TSI (2013/321/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision on national Class B resignalling projects	Granted	06/02/2014	CCS TSI (2012/88/EU)
Derogation	Transport for London	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for INF TSI requirements for Crossrail central section.	Granted	10/09/2012	INF TSI (2011/275/EU)
Derogation	Transport for London	Infrastructure	Economic viability derogation for CCS TSI requirements for the Crossrail core section.	Granted	17/02/2012	CCS TSI (2006/679/EU)