Decision

Rail interoperability: exemptions and decisions

Updated 12 June 2023

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

Some determination letters for these decisions are linked to in the table below. Others are available on request from interoperability@dft.gov.uk.

Category	Company	Topic type of request	Description	Determination letter	Date signed	NTSN/TS
Exemption	Stadler	Vehicle	Innovative solutions exemption for a novel coupler solution on Stadler Class 93 units	Stadler Class 93 letter	22/05/2023	LOC & PAS NTSN
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is required for Hartlepool station redevelopment works	Available by request	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	Available by request	12/05/2023	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Siemens	Vehicle	Economic viability exemption for several standards in the CCS NTSN for some upgraded Class 717 units	Available by request	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	Available by request	18/04/2023	PRM NTSN
Decision	Scotland’s Railway	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision that authorisation is not required for 3 new electricity grid connection in Scotland	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	East Linton letter	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	13/12/2022	PRM NTSN
Exemption	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Economic viability exemption for one standard in the INF NTSN at Hayes and Harlington station	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Brent Cross West letter	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	Available by request	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	Inverness Airport station	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	Available by request	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	Paddington and Heathrow exemption letter	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	Available by request	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)	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Reston exemption letter	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	Reading Green Park letter	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	Elizabeth line exemption letter	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 4 areas of non-compliance within the CCS NTSN	Available by request	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	Available by request	17/08/2021	LOC and 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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	10/03/2020	PRM TSI (2014/1300/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for upgrade of Severn Tunnel contact wire	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	02/10/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Linsinger	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Linsinger SF06-UK Duplex Rail Borne Milling Train	Available by request	26/09/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Bombardier	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for new Class 710 Aventura (LOTRAIN) Electric Multiple Units	Available by request	20/09/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Dispensation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Regulation 46 dispensation against the notified national technical rule for platform heights.	Available by request	11/05/2018	NNTRs
Derogation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for some requirements in INF, PRM and SRT TSI	Available by request	22/04/2018	INF, PRM and SRT TSI
Derogation	Crossrail Ltd	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for additional CCS TSI requirements introduced in 2016	Available by request	19/01/2018	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Siemens Desiro City Moorgate Class 717s	Available by request	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	Available by request	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	Available by request	14/09/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Hitachi Rail	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Great Western IEP fleet and Scotrail Class 385s	Available by request	13/09/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 745s and 755s	Available by request	23/08/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail Valencia	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Merseyrail EMUs	Available by request	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	Available by request	20/06/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for GSM-R infrastructure in the Heathrow tunnels	Available by request	20/06/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Vivarail	Vehicle	Regulation 13 decision on pass-by noise requirements for Class 230s	Available by request	07/06/2017	Noise TSI (2014/1304/EU)
Decision	Network Rail-Thameslink	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decisions and advanced stage derogation for Thameslink infrastructure	Available by request	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	Available by request	24/04/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Loram	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Loram C44 rail grinder vehicles	Available by request	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	Available by request	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Linsinger	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for MG31-UK rail borne milling train	Available by request	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	GE Transportation	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 70 locomotives	Available by request	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Stadler Rail Valencia	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Class 68 and 88 locomotives	Available by request	08/03/2017	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens AG	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for South West Trains Class 707s	Available by request	22/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Eurotunnel	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Krupp locomotives project	Available by request	15/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for national Class B signalling project	Available by request	13/12/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Derogation	Siemens AG	Vehicle	Advanced stage derogation for Thameslink Class 700s	Available by request	20/10/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for Heathrow Tunnels ETCS system	Available by request	25/08/2016	CCS TSI (2016/919/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for fitting KVB signalling system at Ashford International Station	Available by request	04/12/2015	CCS TSI (2012/88/EU)
Decision	HS1 Limited	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision for HS1 GSM-R project	Available by request	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	Available by request	17/10/2014	WAG TSI (2013/321/EU)
Decision	Network Rail	Infrastructure	Regulation 13 decision on national Class B resignalling projects	Available by request	06/02/2014	CCS TSI (2012/88/EU)
Derogation	Transport for London	Infrastructure	Advanced stage derogation for INF TSI requirements for Crossrail central section.	Available by request	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.	Available by request	17/02/2012	CCS TSI (2006/679/EU)