UK scope of interoperability

Interoperability is being applied, by means of the Regulations[2] to the UK part of the High Speed rail system and the Conventional Trans-European rail system. This includes the infrastructure, and all rail vehicles - passenger, freight, locomotives, and maintenance - that use those systems. The Regulations do not apply to the remainder of the heavy rail UK rail system, or to other systems such as metros and light rail.

The TEN[3] in the UK is managed by three infrastructure managers.

  • Network Rail is the infrastructure manager for the majority of the mainland network, comprising approximately 30100 track kilometres, of which approximately 70% is on the TEN and the remainder domestic railway outwith the scope of the Regulations;
  • Northern Ireland Railways manages the infrastructure in Northern Ireland - a total of 330 kilometres; and
  • The Channel Tunnel rail link is managed by NR(CTRL) - subsidary of NR - with 100% of its 230 track kilometres on the TEN.

These proportions are unlikely to be mirrored in the proportions of rolling stock affected, because the Directives apply to “all the stock likely to travel on all or part of the … network”. Almost all new build, and upgrades and renewals of existing stock should, in the first instance at least, be assumed to be subject to the requirements of the Regulations.

The authoritative maps of the Trans European Transport Systems - rail, road and water - are set out in EC Decision 2004 No. 884, which also amends the text of the earlier Decision 1996 No. 1692. To view and download these, follow the 'related internet links in the column to the right.

The map published here shows the GB routes identified as part of the High Speed and Conventional Trans-European Networks, and has been prepared by DfT, based on the EC Decision. It is provided for general planning purposes only. It should not be used as the basis for making decisions on operations or for procuring rolling stock or other equipment. If you are considering entering into any commitments and your decision may be influenced by this information you should not do so without prior further discussions with the relevant infrastructure manager and the DfT interoperability team.

[2]  The Railways (Interoperability) Regulations 2006
[3]  TEN: Trans European Network

Maps:

Great Britain TENs Map (3 Mb)

Indicative map of Great Britain showing high speed, conventional and domestic routes.

Published:
13 July 2007

Northern Ireland Routes (91 kb)

Indicative map of Northern Ireland showing high speed and conventional routes.

Published:
24 March 2008

For related documents, pages and internet links, see the column on the right.