Following the royal commission, the Railway Regulation (Gauge) Act 1846 (9 & 10 Vict.
c. 57) was passed, which mandated all new railways to be constructed to 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1435 mm) in England, Scotland and Wales, and 5 ft 3 in (1600 mm) in Ireland.
The Great Western Railway was allowed to continue with its broad gauge.
Unlike Italy and France, which regulated the choice of narrow gauges, Britain did not, resulting in a large number of alternatives, including:
This United Kingdom rail transport related article is a stub.