Remove Red Tape

The Rail Red Tape Challenge includes almost 200 international, European and domestic regulations relating to the rail sector which ensure that rail services can be provided efficiently, effectively and affordably

Regulations are a vital part of the framework of legislation which underpins how our railways operate. Whilst we recognise that effective and efficient regulation can reduce administrative burdens, regulations that are poorly thought out or badly implemented can impose unnecessary costs on industry.

We are already considering ways to reduce the extent to which the Department for Transport prescribes rail outcomes and services and how it will take forward the rail Value for Money Study allowing the industry to reduce costs whilst ensuring a better, more efficient railway system for passengers and exploring new and innovative ways of delivering better outcomes. For more information about what we are already doing on better regulation, go to www.dft.gov.uk/topics/legislation/simplification.

However, we can’t reduce regulatory burdens without your help. We want everyone to comment on the rail regulations even if you don’t use the railways, metro, tram or underground systems. Are they well designed and provide vital protection? Or are they badly designed, badly implemented or simply a bad idea? To share your ideas on how to make our regulations more workable, join the debate in the comment threads below.