Railway Regulation Act 1840
Encyclopedia
The Railway Regulation Act of 1840 brought regulation to the rapidly emerging railway industry in the UK. It was enacted on 10th August 1840 and originally titled An Act for regulating Railways.
The Railways Department of the Board of Trade
(the predecessor of Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
) was created to fulfil this task.
As of 2011, Section 16 of the Act, For punishment of persons obstructing the officers of any railway company, or trespassing upon any railway remains in force, as subsequently amended. The remainder has been repealed and replaced.
The Railways Department of the Board of Trade
Board of Trade
The Board of Trade is a committee of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom, originating as a committee of inquiry in the 17th century and evolving gradually into a government department with a diverse range of functions...
(the predecessor of Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
Her Majesty's Railway Inspectorate
Established in 1840, HM Railway Inspectorate was the British organisation responsible for overseeing safety on Britain's railways and tramways...
) was created to fulfil this task.
Provisions
Measures contained in the Act were;- No railway to be opened without notice to the Board of Trade
- Returns to be made by railway companies
- Appointment of Board of Trade railway inspectors
- Railway byelaws to be approved by the Board
- Prohibition of drunkenness by railway employees
- Prohibition of obstruction of the railway
- Prohibition of trespass on railways
As of 2011, Section 16 of the Act, For punishment of persons obstructing the officers of any railway company, or trespassing upon any railway remains in force, as subsequently amended. The remainder has been repealed and replaced.