17.—(1) This regulation applies to an application for infrastructure capacity crossing more than one network.
(2) The infrastructure managers must—
(a)co-operate to enable the efficient creation and allocation of infrastructure capacity pursuant to a request for capacity crossing more than one network; and
(b)before consulting on the draft working timetable agree with the other relevant infrastructure managers which international train paths are to be included in that draft working timetable.
(3) The international train paths referred to in paragraph 2(b) may only be adjusted if absolutely necessary.
(4) The infrastructure managers must establish such procedures as are appropriate, in accordance with the requirements set out in these Regulations, to enable the co-operation referred to in paragraph 2(a) to take place, and such procedures must include representatives of the infrastructure managers whose allocation decisions have an impact on one or more infrastructure managers.
(5) Subject to paragraph (6), the procedures established by virtue of paragraph (4) may permit appropriate representatives of infrastructure managers outside the European Community to be associated with these procedures.
(6) Where paragraph (5) applies, the infrastructure managers must inform the European Commission and invite representatives to attend appropriate meetings as an observer.
(7) At any meeting or other activity undertaken to facilitate the allocation of infrastructure capacity across more than one network, decisions may only be taken by representatives of the relevant infrastructure managers.
(8) In acting in accordance with paragraph (2) the infrastructure managers must assess the need for and, where necessary, propose and organise international train paths in such a way as to enable ad hoc capacity for freight services to be granted in accordance with regulation 21.
(9) The prearranged train paths referred to in paragraph (8) must be made available to applicants through any infrastructure manager who participates in the international co-ordination of train paths referred to in this regulation.