Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Updates to National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) for Rail Interoperability

05 March 2025 · Department for Transport

Proposed by Simon Lightwood Lab Co-op Wakefield and Rothwell

Transport

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Government is publishing updates to seven National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) for Britain's railways following a comprehensive review.
  • The Department for Transport plans to continue consulting on further improvements to rail standards over the coming months.
  • The statement commits to honouring previous government commitments regarding substantive divergence from EU TSIs while maintaining industry support.

Issue summary

The Government is publishing updates to seven National Technical Specification Notices (NTSNs) for Britain’s railways following a comprehensive review.

Action requested

The Department for Transport plans to publish the updated NTSNs and will continue consulting on further improvements to rail standards over the coming months. The statement also commits to honouring previous government commitments regarding substantive divergence from EU TSIs while maintaining industry support.

Key facts

  • Five NTSN specifications will meet the definition of substantive divergence from EU TSIs.
  • Two NTSNs maintain higher accessibility requirements for train doors and seats, and one maintains a higher safety requirement for a key train driving component.
  • The review involved working groups and consultations facilitated by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB).
  • The updated NTSNs aim to reduce regulatory burdens and costs while ensuring rail interoperability.
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