Page 7 - Annual report - Araf 2014

OUR OPERATION, OUR MISSIONS, OUR ROLE
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3. ARAF’S POWERS
WE ISSUE ADVISORY OR BINDING OPINIONS ON:
• Rail network statement (NS) published
by SNCF Réseau (IM);
• Network access charging framework;
• Stations and other service facilities
access charging framework;
• Rail security service charging
framework;
• Draft regulations on network access;
• Appointment of the chairman of SNCF
Réseau;
• Draft framework contract between
SNCF and the State;
• Draft framework contract between
SNCF Réseau and the State;
• Financial contributions to SNCF
Réseau and share contributed by SNCF Réseau to investment projects larger than the capped amount set by decree;
• Internal organisational measures by SNCF Réseau to avoid any discrimination between railway undertakings;
• Draft budget of SNCF Réseau.
INVESTIGATORY AUTHORITY
Araf have access to the accounts of infrastructure managers and railway undertakings.
WE CAN IMPOSE SANCTIONS AND FINES
In case of a breach to the network access rules, Araf has the authority to prosecute and investigate. Since 1st January
2015, an sanction commission rules on ex-oficial enforcement procedures. This sanction commission was set up pursuant to the Rail Reform Act of 4 August 2014. It is composed of three judges.
Fines imposed can reach 5% of the company turnover; the amounts recovered are handed over to the Agency for the inancing of transport infrastructures in France – AFITF.
The sanction commission can also temporarily ban access to part of or the entire railway network for up to
12 months.
The board’s activity in 2014
• 38 meetings
• 9 hearings
• 4 visits to railway sites
The board participated in the national « Conference pour la relance du fret ferroviaire »
Average processing time of a dispute settlement: 5.5 months (length is due to complexity of appeals on passenger stations)
Average processing time for an opinion: 2 months
7 Araf 2014 annual report