07.12.16
Professor Peter Hansford to chair Network Rail competition review
Professor Peter Hansford has been named as the chair of Network Rail’s new competition and contestability review.
The review, which will look at alternative methods for the organisation to complete projects, will begin its work immediately and publish its findings next spring.
The news comes after transport secretary Chris Grayling announced that he wanted to begin giving train operating companies responsibility for track maintenance, which was previously controlled by Network Rail.
Mark Carne, the chief executive of Network Rail, said: “We need to act more like a private business with customers’ needs at the heart of everything we do. Led by Peter, this review is due to start immediately and demonstrates mine and the company’s commitment to identify and break down any barriers that currently discourage either third party funding and financing of projects, innovation or new models of delivery.
“Peter has a wealth of experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects and in reviewing them. I’m delighted he’s agreed to head up this important review so that we can find out what we need to do to embrace competition at every stage of a project, and start doing it.”
Professor Hansford is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and has over 20 years of experience in strategic consulting on infrastructure development and capital investment.
He has previously served as chief construction advisor to the UK government and president of the Institution of Civil Engineers, and is currently a professor of construction and infrastructure policy at University College London.
“I’m delighted to be heading up this important piece of work for the rail industry,” said Professor Hansford. “Having worked for many years on both delivering and reviewing complex infrastructure projects, I understand the complexities involved to ensure competition is encouraged in order to get the best deal for customers.
“I will be identifying and addressing all barriers – building on the work already underway by the RDG and Network Rail in investigating alternative ways to finance enhancements and reviewing asset protection processes.”
The review will draw on a separate review by the Rail Delivery Group, which looked into alternative ways to deliver and finance enhancements and is due to report by the end of this year.
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