Project Outline
As the UK pushes toward net zero, organisations like Network Rail are taking significant steps to decarbonise their operations.
Between 2022 and 2024, Mercury3 Consult supported the National Road Fleet Transformation (NRFT) Programme, helping to design and deliver scalable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure nationwide.
By combining programme management, safety assurance, and construction delivery, we were proud to contribute our expertise to this ambitious and essential transformation of the UK transport sector.
Key Information
| Project | National Road Fleet Transformation Programme (and Safety Assurance in SCO Capital Programmes) |
| Client | Network Rail |
| Services | Programme, Project, & Construction Management, and Business Transformation |
| Duration | Nov 2022 - Dec 2024 |
In alignment with the UK Government’s strategic commitment to reducing transport emissions, as outlined in Decarbonising Transport: Setting the Challenge (2020) and Scotland’s Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan (2020), Network Rail launched the National Road Fleet Transformation (NRFT) Programme in September 2022. The goal: transition the organisation’s 9,500-strong vehicle fleet to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) by 2027 for cars and vans, and by 2035 for HGVs.
As part of this initiative, the Vehicle Trials Project was implemented to facilitate the early deployment of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and install fixed and mobile EV chargers across Network Rail’s estate. This effort not only enabled immediate decarbonisation action but also captured critical end-user feedback to inform the wider programme strategy.
At the same time, within SCO Capital Programmes, responsible for a wide range of construction-focused activities, significant progress was made in terms of safety and compliance. Key risks identified across the projects included adherence with legislative, regulatory, and safety requirements, particularly those relating to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and Network Rail’s internal safety protocols.
The project manager…was exemplary. He was incredibly easy to work with, fostering a dynamic & flexible team environment that helped us navigate challenging projects with tight deadlines. His collaborative approach allowed us to address difficulties without feeling pressured, ultimately leading to successful project outcomes.
Senior Design Engineer
Network Rail Engineering Services
Our Service
Mercury3 Consult was initially engaged to provide programme management support to the Senior Programme Manager within the NRFT. However, following early delivery success and strong stakeholder feedback, due to the proven capability and performance of the team, our role expanded significantly to encompass:
- End-to-end oversight of both fixed and mobile EV charging infrastructure.
- Site safety interventions and strategic programme assurance across all five Network Rail regions.
We provided a full suite of services in Programme, Project, and Construction Management, along with Business Transformation support. Our multidisciplinary team included Scheme Project Managers, Project Manager Assistants, and delivering general PMO functions.
We ensured all work aligned with Network Rail governance standards, while taking proactive ownership of both business-as-usual (BAU) and ad hoc tasks, including meeting coordination, document control, diary management, and team liaison.

This site was a key trial location that helped shape the NRFT national rollout strategy:
- Collaborated with the depot manager and supply partners to assess immediate needs and envision a future-proof solution.
- Implemented a dynamic load management system to deliver 20 22kW single chargers and 3 moveable dual 40kW chargers within 5 months.
- This resulted in a time efficiency of 7 months and a cost saving of £260k, compared to a Distribution Network Operator (DNO) upgrade.
Key Achievements
Enabled EV deployment at scale: Installed over 300 charging sockets across the UK by April 2024 and supported the rollout of the first 36 NRFT electric vehicles, coordinating with site teams, third-party contractors, local stakeholders, and training providers.
Laid the groundwork for long-term success: Conducted 90 feasibility studies, produced 42 designs, and installed 100 sockets across 21 sites for the Vehicle Trials Project.
Built a robust national delivery team: Established a team of 40 multidisciplinary professionals to define scope, operational requirements, secure funding, and implement governance structures.
Led a collaborative value engineering exercise through Early Contractor Involvement to optimise delivery.
Enhanced safety culture: Maintained a zero-accident record across the project through rigorous safety briefs and inductions at all sites.
Spearheaded digital innovation: Developed the Site Safety Readiness Assurance Tracker, evolving it from Excel into a dynamic Power Apps and Power BI platform for live reporting.
Delivered national tools once for all regions: Developed business cases, policy updates, benchmarking tools, and a home charging plan, reducing duplication and increasing value across Network Rail’s devolved model.
Proactively mitigated safety risks: Introduced a default “No Go” standard for all site works until minimum readiness standards were met and developed a Hazard Identification & Management Tool, enabling early risk mitigation and joint accountability between NR and the supply chain.
Created a programme-wide Hazard Catalogue to support Year 1 CP7 safety initiatives.
Conclusion
Mercury3 Consult played a pivotal role in enabling Network Rail’s shift toward sustainable transport while embedding a culture of compliance, safety, and operational excellence. By combining technical expertise, digital innovation, and proactive stakeholder engagement, we delivered scalable infrastructure, and a strategic roadmap, for a greener railway network.
I found [the consultant] to be always approachable, positive, & quick to understand the details & potential issues of the varied projects he worked on. He made prompt contact with key stakeholders and communicated effectively with different parts of Network Rail, AmcoGiffen, & other stakeholders. [They were] also swift in arranging site access & ensuring all necessary contacts were in place to facilitate efficient project delivery.
AmcoGiffen
It was a pleasure working with [the consultant], who was a highly valued colleague. [They] played a key role in leading various safety initiatives & safety trackers across SCO, ensuring that site visits & site works were tracked effectively & accurately, as well as implementing continuous improvements to the way this was done. [The consultant] worked collaboratively with the various project managers to ensure they remained organised with their safety assurance.
Project Manager
CPC