Network Code

The Network Code is a common set of rules that apply to all parties who have a contract for rights of access to the track owned and operated by Network Rail (holders of access rights). The Network Code is incorporated into, and therefore forms part of, each such bilateral contract.

The purpose of the Network Code is to:

• regulate change (including change to the working timetable, to railway vehicles, to the network, to the Network Code itself and, under certain circumstances, change to a train operator's track access rights)
• establish procedures relating to environmental damage
• establish a performance monitoring system
• establish procedures in the event of operational disruption

A current version of the Network Code can be downloaded either as a whole document (see Featured documents at the bottom of this page) or by each individual part (here). A range of documentation relating to the processes and procedures within the Network Code can be found by browsing for documents.

Network Rail endeavours to ensure that this web site includes all documents which Network Rail is required to publish under the relevant provision of the Network Code. If you believe that any document may be missing or incomplete, please contact networkcode@networkrail.co.uk