We regulate access to around 100 light maintenance depots in Britain which provide services to passenger and other trains.
The railway network has a large number of privately owned facilities that are accessible by rail. We regulate access to light maintenance depots by approving depot access agreements and amendments to depot access agreements in accordance with the terms of the Railways Act 1993. Please visit our statutory functions and duties to find out the law through which we regulate depot access.
The operator of a depot is known as a depot facility owner. Other train operators, or third parties procuring depot services on behalf of a train operator (known as beneficiaries), who want to use the depot must enter into an access agreement with the depot facility owner. If the agreements are not approved by us, they are invalid.
This diagram explains the relationships which exist within the contractual regime.
Contact us
The Stations & Depots team is happy to discuss any depot access queries and can be contacted at: StationsandDepots@orr.gov.uk.