RECOGNISING that safe railway operations are fundamental to the safety of all persons and the environment;

CONSIDERING that safe railway operations promote the use of rail as an efficient mode of transportation;

ACKNOWLEDGING that railway operations must be effectively regulated;

FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGING the prime responsibility and accountability of railway operators in ensuring the safety of railway operations; and

NOTING that the effective provision of railway safety is a matter that, to be dealt with effectively, requires uniformity across the nation in respect of policy and norms and standards,

BE IT THEREFORE ENACTED by the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, as follows:—