Interoperability news flash

Bookmark this page to keep up to date with the latest interoperability news.

The PRM TSI and changes to the GB rail service accessibility regime

The PRM TSI came into force in the UK on 1 July 2008.

The Rail Vehicle Accessibility (Interoperable Rail System) Regulations 2008 No 1746 [external link] came into force on 7 July 2008. These Regulations prevent RVAR-compliant heavy rail vehicles from being subject to regulation under both RVAR and the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006, by exempting them from RVAR and deeming them to be authorised, for the purposes of the PRM TSI only, under the Interoperability Regulations. Further information on TSIs.

All Contracting Entities should be aware that these Regulations also makes small adjustments to Regulations 4 and 5 of the Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006, which are of relevance to all projects subject to the Regulations.

The Department is currently considering comments received in response to its consultation on amendments to the Train and Station Design for Disabled Passengers Code of Practice, which closed on 23 May. 

NoBo Review

• DfT has commissioned a study on the UK's Notified Body system for interoperability - further detail on the NoBo page.

Freight Wagon TSI - critical errors in UK specific cases

• DfT has achieved a resolution of 3 issues which have caused difficulties for UK freight wagon contracting entities.  See full details on the Guidance and FAQs page.

New TSI[1] - Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)

• The PRM TSI came into force in the UK on 1 July 2008.

New TSI - Safety in railway tunnels (SRT)

• The SRT TSI was formally notified to Member States in November 2007 and will come into force in the UK on 1 July 2008.

Revised High Speed TSIs

• View and download the recently published revised TSIs on the About Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSIs) page.

TSI drafting and revision programme

• You can view and download a summary of current activities from the Common Technical Standards webpage.

TSI implementation plans

DfT published the ERTMS implementation plan in Autumn 2007 - see UK progress with interoperability.

DfT is preparing the implementation plan for the Operations TSI, in consultation with industry and the ORR.

Recent changes to UK interoperability legislation

• The Railways (Interoperability) (Amendment) Regulations 2007 [SI 2007/3386] came into force on 8 January 2008.  These Regulations provide additional, non-mandatory, verification options for subsystems of help to suppliers and Contracting Entities. View and download these Regulations on the Interoperability Legislation webpage.

Interoperability FAQs

• Frequently asked questions were last updated 10 September 2007.

Noise TSI

• The pass-by testing requirements specified in the noise TSI are not appropriate for rail vehicles designed for electric third-rail infrastructure.  Please see Guidance and FAQs to view and download the critical error derogation arrangements that DfT has put in place.

Vehicle Keeper Markings

• Arrangements are in place for the issue of Vehicle Keeper Markings - see full information on the Registers and Databases page

[1]  TSI: Technical Specification for Interoperability