The Railways (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2005

Reports etc. of accidents and incidents investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch

11.—(1) Subject to the requirements in the following paragraphs the Branch may at any time provide a report (including an interim report), advice, recommendations or information relating to an accident or incident to such persons, and in such form and in such manner, as the Chief Inspector considers appropriate in the circumstances, taking account of—

(a) the nature and seriousness of the accident or incident;

(b) the speed at which the report, advice, recommendations or information needs to be given or acted upon;

(c) the stage which the investigation has reached; and

(d) the relevance or importance of the examination or investigation findings.

(2) Upon the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Branch into a serious accident, or an accident or incident which under slightly different conditions might have led to a serious accident, the Branch shall report to the Secretary of State and publish a final report—

(a) in the shortest time possible and normally not later than twelve months after the date of the occurrence; and

(b) shall include in it such of the information described in Schedule 6 as is relevant to the accident or incident.

(3) Upon the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the Branch, other than one to which paragraph (2) applies, the Branch shall report to the Secretary of State and publish a report in such form as may be determined by the Chief Inspector.

(4) A report published under this regulation may relate to more than one accident or incident.

(5) In relation to a report referred to in paragraph (2), the Branch shall provide a copy of the report to the European Railway Agency and to every person referred to in regulation 13(2).