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Interoperability

Since the late 1990s several European Commission (EC) Directives have been enacted by all EU Member States that govern the technology and methods of operation to be used by Europe’s railways to enable the freedom of movement of goods and people, known as Interoperability.  The Directives apply to new, upgraded or renewed railways and also to components that are key to freedom of movement, such as wheels and rails, and which are known as Interoperability Constituents.

Companies that must adhere to the Interoperability Directives must invariably also adhere to other, national approvals regimes.  Consequently, the owners or manufacturers of systems being deployed in more than one EU Member State will find that they have to navigate through a complex web of regulatory and approvals processes.

Lloyd’s Register is perhaps uniquely placed to assist you in making this process as painless and effective as possible.  We have a long track record of working on behalf of clients to develop effective compliance documentation.  Importantly, our presence in several EU Member States means that we are also experienced in the management of approvals through national approvals bodies.  Equally, we hold Notified Body status in the UK and The Netherlands and this gives our clients the almost unique choice of using us in either a consultative or independent assurance capacity.

Further information can be found on the following pages:

• Fleet maintenance, monitoring and performance

• Independent safety assessment

• Notified Body

• Rail vehicle design

• Rolling stock certification

• Rolling stock testing

• Signal engineering

• Telecommunications engineering

• Track and civil engineering

• Working with regulations and standards