6.3 Since the devolution of rail powers in 2005, the Scottish Government has fully funded Network Rail to establish and maintain an accurate asset database, including gauge data. The Scottish Government has also fully funded the maintenance of asset capability, including gauge clearances. The current approach to gauging processes has not been satisfactory, adding significant risk, delay and cost to the introduction of new rolling stock, the reallocation of existing rolling stock, the development of new rail freight business, and the efficient operation of charter and tourist trains. Passenger and freight train operators should be able to plan the movement of vehicles around the network without the need for expensive and time consuming bespoke gauging exercises.
6.4 Therefore, the Scottish Ministers require that, by the end of Control Period 6, all Scottish routes are maintained to be capable of accommodating the gauge of all locomotives and passenger rolling stock, including cross border services and charter operators vehicles, which have run in Scotland in CP4 and CP5 or are known to be planned to run in Scotland in CP6.
