The December edition of our Transport Update includes the latest developments in: Aviation; Bus Services; Rail Network and more... 

Aviation

UK and China further relax limits on flights

Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling has unveiled a deal between the UK and China which allows for an expansion in routes from regional airports.

Consultation on Implementing Amendments to the Aviation EU Emissions Trading System in UK Regulations

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published a consultation seeking views on amendments to the UK's Aviation EU emissions trading system legislation, to align with the EU. The consultation closes on the 5 January 2018.

Moving Britain Ahead: Post Implementation Review of the Airport Charges Regulations 2011

The Department for Transport has published a Command Paper reviewing the objectives, effects and success of the Airport Charges Regulations 2011.

Budget

Autumn Budget 2017

We look at what the future holds for transport as the Chancellor announces the Autumn Budget 2017.

Bus Services

The Franchising Schemes and Enhanced Partnership Schemes (Pension Protection) (England) Regulations 2017 (SI 2017/1093)

These Regulations make provision about the pension protection to be provided to certain employees of bus operators who transfer to a new employer under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”) following the making of a franchising scheme or an enhanced partnership scheme.

In force: 19 December 2017

The Franchising Schemes and Enhanced Partnership Schemes (Application of TUPE) (England) Regulations 2017

These Regulations make provision about the application of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”) to employees of bus operators who are affected by the making of a franchising scheme or an enhanced partnership scheme.

In force: 19 December 2017

The Franchising Schemes and Enhanced Partnership Plans and Schemes (Provision of Information) Regulations 2017 (SI 2017/1091)

The Bus Services Act 2017 inserted new provisions into the Transport Act 2000 that will enable certain local authorities to introduce local bus franchising and enhanced partnership schemes. In order to develop their proposals for such schemes, the 2017 Act makes provision for local authorities to require a range of information from bus operators. These Regulations set out further details about relevant information that may be requested from operators.

In force: 19 December 2017

Funding

New transport fund launched

The government has announced the launch a £1.7 billion Transforming Cities Fund that will improve transport links and promote local growth within city regions, placing cities at the heart of their industrial strategy. This includes £250 million for the West Midlands.

Rail Network

Rail infrastructure investment inquiry

The government's Transport Committee has decided to launch an inquiry into whether the current system of planning and delivering investment in rail infrastructure is adequate. The deadline for written submissions is Monday 18 December 2017.

Strategic vision for rail

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has set out a new vision for the railways, including plans to end the operational divide between track and train and an evolution of the franchising system. It include commitments to expand the railway network to boost housing and economic growth, and deliver passenger benefits such as improved compensation schemes.

HS2: Getting the best out of Britain

This report sets out how HS2 can improve accessibility and productivity in the Midlands and the North and help ease the pressure on London.

Great Western franchise

The Department for Transport has published a consultation seeking views on proposals for improving train services on the Great Western rail network from April 2020. The consultation ends 21 February 2018.

Road Network

Highways England’s intelligent network of the future

The government has published a Strategic Road Network Initial Report, explaining technology will play an increasingly role in keeping people moving, and the country connected. A consultation has also been published which seeks views on proposals for a strategic road network and assesses its current and potential future needs. The consultation closes on 7 February 2017.

A1 plans to improve Newcastle journeys

The Highways England plans will improve journeys through Newcastle by adding an extra lane along a 5-mile stretch of the existing dual carriageway from Scotswood, just after the River Tyne, up to North Brunton. It is expected the upgrade will improve safety while supporting economic growth in the region.

Severn bridges transfer to public ownership early next year

On Monday 8 January 201 the responsibility for the operations, maintenance and vehicle charges for the Severn bridges will be managed and run by Highways England, the Government-owned company which looks after England’s strategic network of motorways and major A-roads. A new Tolls Order has also been published and comes into force on the 1 January.

15bn investment on motorways and major A-roads

Highways England is expected to help motorists and hauliers this Christmas as it prepares to lift and complete almost 400 miles of roadworks across the country.

Transport in the North

Transport investment in the north

Rail Minister Paul Maynard has addressed the North of England Transport Summit at Royal Armouries, Leeds. He discusses various rail projects underway and recent announcements.

The Sub-national Transport Body (Transport for the North) Regulations 2017 (Draft)

These Draft Regulations establish Transport for the North as a Sub-national Transport Body and set out the functions it will exercise.

UAVs

Trends in Transport – November 2017

This is the second update in a series of our spotlight articles discussing emerging Trends in Transport focusing on Drones, Deployment and the Challenges Ahead.

Written Statement to Parliament – Drones Update

A statement made by The Rt Hon John Hayes CBE MP announcing new measures to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of the drones market, whilst putting the correct legislative framework in place for safety and security.