We regulate the rail industry's health and safety performance, we hold Network Rail and High Speed 1 (HS1) to account and we make sure that the rail industry is competitive and fair. We are also the monitor of National Highways and we have economic regulatory functions in relation to railways in Northern Ireland and for the northern half of the Channel Tunnel, situated in the UK.
Who we are and what we do infographic.
Our functions
Our safety and economic functions are driven by UK legislation – and we are accountable to Parliament and the public. This provides an overview of our role.
Our strategy
Our business plan summarises what we aim to achieve every year and provides detail around our strategic objectives.
The law and our duties
We operate within the framework set by UK legislation and we are accountable through Parliament and the courts.
International and retained EU law
Most legislation emanating from EU rail packages continues to be in force subject to amendments introduced by "EU exit" regulations. This is referred to as "retained EU law" in the EU Withdrawal Act.