![Birmingham - Freightliner Depot inspection visit](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2022-04/16-12-19-179-safety_0.jpg?itok=-BCXJm1o)
Health & safety
We regulate health and safety for the entire mainline rail network in Britain, as well as London Underground, light rail, trams and the heritage sector.
![ORR and Network Rail inspecting earthworks/sidings](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2021-10/economic-regulation.jpg?itok=yTyIhnl0)
Economic regulation
We regulate Network Rail and other railway networks including the Channel Tunnel and High Speed 1.
![Passengers at the concourse of Liverpool Street station](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2021-10/consumer-card.jpg?itok=9V7QXWRU)
Consumers
We undertake a range of work to improve the passenger experience in areas such as compensation, retailing of train tickets and passenger accessibility.
![Train on the tracks in Leeds](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2021-10/operator-access-%20card.jpg?itok=JynbL7es)
Operator access to the network
If a railway operator wants to access the railway network, they have to apply to us for a track access agreement.
![Train at London Blackfriars station](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2021-10/operator-licences-card.jpg?itok=2KAXLiMT)
Operator licences & exemptions
We issue licences and licence exemptions to railway operators.
![Section of the M62 near Scammonden with vehicles on it](/https/www.orr.gov.uk/sites/default/files/styles/black_title_cards/public/2021-10/road-card.jpg?itok=J0vVL_Mc)
Roads
We are responsible for monitoring and enforcing the performance and efficiency of National Highways.
Don't miss
Authorisations
New, major, upgraded or renewed infrastructure or rolling stock projects we have authorised into service.
ORR careers
Our people have an exciting mix of skills, backgrounds and levels of experience.
Train driver licences
Information you need to know about train driver licences.
Popular publications
Rail access rights data
View reports and dashboards relating to passenger track access planning and use.
Accessible Travel Policy guidance
Guidance for train and station operators.
RM3
The Risk Management Maturity Model is the criteria we use to assess an organisation's ability to achieve excellence when controlling health and safety risks.