Welcome to our monthly Transport Update, bringing you links to the major developments relevant to the transport industry.

Autonomous Vehicles

Government moves forward on advanced trials for self-driving vehicles 

The government has announced that a process is being developed to support the advanced trials of automated vehicles. Advanced trials will not be supported unless they have passed rigorous safety assessments. In response to feedback from industry, the government has also announced that its code of practice for testing automated vehicles will be strengthened further to set clearer expectations for safe and responsible trials.

Brexit

The Air Quality (Amendment of Domestic Regulations) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 

These Regulations are made in exercise of the powers in section 2(2) of the European Communities Act 1972 (c. 68), section 8 and paragraph 21 of Schedule 7 to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. 

The Common Rules for Access to the International Market for Coach and Bus Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 

The Statutory Instrument corrects inoperabilities in EU Regulation 1073/2009 and related implementing legislation.

The Regulation (EC) No 1370/2007 (Public Service Obligations) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 

This instrument ensures that the legislative framework for the award of Public Service Obligations in transport (rail franchises and bus services concessions) will remain legally operable on and after exit day. The instrument corrects a number of deficiencies which will arise as a result of EU withdrawal and ensures that the rules around the direct award of Public Service Obligations contracts continue to have effect in domestic law on and after exit day.

The Aviation Statistics (Amendment etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 

Regulations to enable enforcement of existing obligation on airport operators to provide statistical data, and to amend retained EU legislation about aviation statistics.

EU Exit Regulations 2019

These regulations are made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 8(1) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 to address failures of retained EU law to operate effectively and other deficiencies arising from the withdrawal of the UK from the EU.

Statement to parliament - road haulage 

A road haulage statutory instrument has been laid in Parliament which is designed to ensure UK law operates effectively if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

Detailed guide - Prepare to drive in the EU after Brexit: bus coach lorry drivers 

Government guidance on what bus, coach and lorry drivers from the UK may need to do to drive in the EU and EEA when the UK leaves the EU on 29 March 2019. 

Buses

£48 million funding to drive down bus emissions across the UK 

Communities across the UK will benefit from greener journeys. Minister Nusrat Ghani has announced that the funding will be used to purchase 263 low emission buses.

Tyres and vehicle safety

An update on measures being taken to improve tyre and vehicle safety.

Drones

Unmanned Air Vehicles: Regulation: Written question - 214515

In response to a written question asking about plans to recoup the cost of regulating drones from their users or manufacturers, the Department for Transport stated that there are already charges that exist for certain drone users when applying to the Civil Aviation Authority (CCA) for permission to operate commercially. When registration of drone operators is implemented later in 2019, drone operators will be required to pay the CAA a registration charge in order to fund the running and maintenance of the service. The CAA will consult on the structure of the proposed charging later in 2019.

General News

Future of Mobility

A Foresight report commissioned by the Government Office for Science looking at the important future trends, challenges and opportunities for the UK transport system.

Speech: A Burkean moment for transport 

A speech given by Jesse Norman at the Transport Technology Innovation Showcase explaining how transport is at a Burkean moment with new technologies.

HS2

HS2 Phase 2a Additional Provision 2 Environmental Statement and Supplementary Environmental Statement 2 Consultation 

A consultation seeks views on its Additional Provision 2 Environmental Statement (AP2 ES), which reports on the likely significant environmental effects of the amendments in AP2, and Supplementary Environmental Statement 2 and sets out the likely significant environmental effects of the construction and operation of the railway.

Statement to parliament: HS2 construction partners for southern stations 

An update to Parliament on the progress of High Speed Two.

Speech: Securing HS2 for the Midlands and north 

A speech given by Chris Grayling MP describing the progress of HS2.

Local Transport

Strategic Transport Plan

Transport for the North has set out an ambitious vision for the future of the North's economy, unveiling draft proposals for northern infrastructure for the next 30 years.

Rail Network

The Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) (Amendment) Regulations 2019 

These Regulations implement, for a transitory period ending at the end of 31st December 2020, Directive (EU) 2016/2370 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 amending Directive 2012/34/EU as regards the opening of the market for domestic passenger transport services by rail and the governance of the railway infrastructure. We have published an article looking at the impact.

Implementing PR18 - consultation on changes to access contracts 

An Office of Rail and Road (ORR) consultation setting out the specific changes they propose to make to track and station access agreements to implement the 2018 periodic review (PR18).

Statement to Parliament: Smart ticketing on the rail network 

A new Department for Transport (DfT) consultation and plans to ensure smart ticketing across regional and urban areas can deliver the kind of pay-as-you-go structure used in London.

The DfT is consulting to seek views on proposals on extending the pay-as-you-go on rail and possible changes to fares. 

Resilient technologies to improve UK railways: apply for funding 

The DfT, Innovate UK and UK Research and Innovation have announced that organisations can apply for a share of £5.5 million to integrate proven technologies into the UK rail industry.

Network Rail to almost double track maintenance capacity through technology

Network Rail is using cutting edge technology to boost its capacity to identify and fix track defects reducing delays caused by track faults and improving safety.

Carbon-cutting rail schemes share in multi-million pound government funding boost 

Five projects have been chosen for development funding in the second round of the DfT’s First of a Kind competition, which focuses on innovative schemes that can cut the carbon footprint of the UK’s railways. 

Consultation on delay attribution review 

An ORR consultation is seeking views on a review of delay attribution, the process by which the reasons for delays to train service delays are determined, and aims to establish review objectives, whilst identifying areas for improvement and potential courses of action. 

ORR 2017-18 rail funding and expenditure data 

The ORR has published its annual report explaining how the railway was funded in 2017-18 and how that money was spent.  

Preferred bidders for next generation of rail system contracts announced by Network Rail

Network Rail has announced the preferred bidders to deliver track and rail system alliances in the South and Scotland. The central alliance will be announced in due course.

Road Network

Technological trials to help future proof roads 

Funding for new technology that could help stop potholes from forming has been announced by the Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. The government will provide £22.9 million for research and trials on new surface materials or pothole repair. 

Shipping

The Merchant Shipping (Technical Requirements for Inland Waterway Vessels) (Amendment) Regulations 2019

These Regulations implement Directive (EU) 2016/1629 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14th September 2016 laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels, amending Directive 2009/100/EC and repealing Directive 2006/87/EC.

The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Oil Pollution) Regulations 2019 

These Regulations implement Annex I (Regulations for the Prevention of Pollution by Oil) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (1973) as modified by the Protocol of 1978 (“the MARPOL Convention”). 

UK to lead charge in emerging maritime technology 

The Maritime 2050 strategy outlines a range of short, medium and long-term proposals, including developing technology, people and infrastructure.

Research and analysis: UK port freight traffic: 2019 forecasts 

This DfT report sets out port freight forecasts at major UK ports up to 2050.

Space

Detailed guide - Promoting and regulating spaceflight from the UK 

Information, documents and announcements relating to LaunchUK, the UK's commercial spaceflight programme.

Urban Transit

Potential of light rail schemes hailed for future urban travel 

Minister Jesse Norman has launched a call for evidence to seek views on the potential for new light rail and other rapid transit solutions in English towns and cities. The government has also announced £1.5 million of funding to establish a Light Rail Safety Standard board to ensure safer journeys for passengers.

Grayling and Burnham hail Greater Manchester tram network as model for new opportunities 

A shared commitment to expanding the Greater Manchester tram network through tram-train services, enabling faster, more reliable journeys across the network and cutting congestion, has been welcomed by the Transport Secretary and Greater Manchester Mayor.