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

Air Quality 

State of the environment

The Environment Agency has published its latest data and information summarising the state of air quality in England.

Aviation 

AIPUT study on the impact of driverless vehicles on airports

AIPUT has funded a study into the potential impact of driverless vehicles on logistics and cargo handling at airports, leading to the need for integration of new infrastructure to support that at airports and freeing up property that is currently used for example, parking. 

Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 of the European Parliament and of the Council

This Regulation introduces measures to establish and maintain a high uniform level of civil aviation safety in the Union and sets out various provisions including those on European and state level safety programmes and responsibilities of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

UK Aviation consumer survey shows decline in passenger satisfaction

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published its latest UK Aviation Consumer Survey, which finds that overall satisfaction with flying has fallen.

Brexit 

The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (CDG 2018)

A consultation focused on reference changes to the 'Carriage of Dangerous Goods 2009 and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment' as a result of the UK leaving the European Union. The consultation closes: on 6 September 2018.

Buses

Bus and coach security: best practice

A third version of the recommended best practice (for bus and coach operators, station and depot owners and managers) has been published.  

Drones 

Extra powers to prevent the misuse of drones

The government is to consult on new measures to prevent the misuse of drones, including on-the-spot fines and the ability to seize them if necessary.

Electric Vehicles 

The road to EVs

Recent policies from the UK Government show they are committed to promoting the take-up of electric vehicles. We look at the government support, tax issues and the energy angle.

Mobility 

Future of mobility call for evidence

The Department for Transport is seeking views and evidence to inform government’s work on the Future of Mobility Grand Challenge.

People Moves 

ORR Chair announced: Declan Collier

Declan Collier has been announced as the preferred candidate for the role of Office of Rail and Road Chair.

Non-executive chair appointed at the Vehicle Certification Agency 

Clive Scrivener has been appointed as the first permanent non-executive chair of the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) following an open competition.

Rail Franchises 

Great Western rail franchise 

The Department for Transport has published a stakeholder briefing document for the Great Western rail franchise competition summarising the responses it received and  provides the government’s response. It also provides a description of what they propose to include in the specification for the franchise extension, and what this might mean for stakeholders during the course of this extension.

Rail Network 

Rail market led proposals : Procurement, IP and Confidentiality Risks

Back in March 2018 the Department for Transport (DfT) published new guidance for promoters of new rail projects that may or may not require some Government support or funding. These are known as market led proposals or MLPs. Since then, we have attended the two Rail Investment Opportunity Days and also hosted and spoke at Waterfront's 4th Annual UK Rail Station Development and Regeneration Conference. What is coming out of those events is that promoters of potential MLPs are worried. We have further considered the MLP and procurements process, the risks associated and how this impacts on IP and confidentiality.

Nationalisation: How would it be done and what would it mean?

The Government has a slim majority and a Brexit legislative quagmire to navigate, and so a General Election followed by a Labour Government at some point in the next 12 months is a real possibility. Labour could therefore have the chance to implement some or all of their nationalisation proposals. We look at how these proposals could be financed or implemented, the key issues involved and the impact of Nationalisation risk.  

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

An independent technical assessor has summarised the comments received in response to this consultation.

Government response to the Periodic Review 2018 Draft Determination

The Government’s response to the Office of Rail and Road’s draft determination for the Periodic Review 2018.

Train firms and tech experts unite to revolutionise rail travel with the Joint Rail Data Action Plan

Train companies are to publish more real-time information which will enable tech firms to develop intelligent travel apps for the future.

Ports 

Trends in Transport

The fourth update in our series of spotlight articles discussing emerging Trends in Transport focuses on England's port connectivity. 

Transport in Scotland 

Consultation: Transport (Scotland) Bill

A Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee of the Scottish Parliament has published a call for evidence seeking views on various elements of the Transport (Scotland) Bill 2018. The consultation closes on 28 September 2018.