Welcome to our combined December/January Transport Update, bringing you links to the major developments relevant to the transport industry.

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Air Quality

Scotland's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) introduced

The first Low Emission Zone has come into effect in Glasgow city centre. Effective from 31 December 2018, the LEZ is being phased in and will only apply to local service buses to start with.

Autonomous Vehicles

New cyber security standard for self-driving vehicles 

A new cyber security standard has been published by the British Standards Institute.

Aviation

Open consultation: Aviation 2050 - the future of UK aviation

The Department for Transport is seeking feedback on its green paper which outlines proposals for a new aviation strategy. The strategy will set out the challenges and opportunities for aviation to 2050 and beyond and will emphasise the significance of aviation to the UK economy and regional growth. 

New Airspace Modernisation Strategy launched to overhaul UK airspace 

Plans for the use of UK airspace up to 2040, including modernisation.

Showcase of ‘Future of Aviation Security’ Innovations 

Eight projects have received Future of Aviation Security Solutions (FASS) Phase 2 funding worth £1.8 million to develop innovative solutions around aviation security. 

Secretary of State letter to the aviation industry 

The of State for Transport has written to the aviation industry regarding the UK's EU Exit.

New aviation passenger charter to improve flying experience

The Aviation Minister, Liz Sugg has outlined a new charter for airlines and airports designed to enhance customer experience. 

CAA sets deadline for airlines to be clearer on replacement flight rights for passengers whose flights have been cancelled 

The CAA has issued new advice to airlines on re-routing. Airlines have been given six months to be clearer with passengers on their rights to be flown on other airlines when the flight they originally booked has been cancelled.

Brexit

Department of Transport responds to European Commission contingency action plan

The Department for Transport has responded to the European Commission 'no-deal' contingency action plan. On transport, it includes a proposal which would ensure the continuation of flights between the UK and the EU and one which would allow UK hauliers to continue to carry goods into the EU. 

Detailed guide: Passenger consumer rights when travelling to the EU after Brexit

A guide for passengers on what may change for UK citizens travelling as passengers to EU after the UK leaves the EU.

Detailed guide: Passenger travel to the EU by air, rail or sea after Brexit

A guide for passengers on travelling to or in the EU and EEA after the UK leaves the EU.

Transatlantic flight guarantee as UK and Canada agree new air arrangement 

The Transport Secretary has announced an arrangement between UK and Canada guaranteeing vital routes will remain in place once the UK leaves the EU.  

UK and US agree new open skies arrangements

The Transport Secretary has announced the conclusion of a UK/US air services arrangement ahead of EU exit, safeguarding flights between the UK and the US after Brexit.

New bilateral deal signed with Switzerland 

The Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has signed an agreement that ensures air services will continue operating between the UK and Switzerland after Brexit. 

Statement to Parliament: Haulage update: 7 January 2019 

The government has entered into 3 contracts with ferry operators to provide additional ferry capacity and services into the UK as part of no deal EU Exit contingency planning. 

The Haulage Permits and Trailer Registration Act 2018 (Commencement) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1343)

In force: Brings into operation ss.6-8 of the 2018 Act on 1 January 2019.

Explanatory Note

The Heavy Goods Vehicles (Charging for the Use of Certain Infrastructure on the Trans-European Road Network) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1352)

In force: On exit day

Explanatory Memorandum

International Driving Permits (Fees) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (SI 2019/1)

In force: 1 February 2019

Explanatory Memorandum

The Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) and the Railways (Accident Investigation and Reporting) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018  (SI 2018/1400)

In force: On exit day

Explanatory Memorandum

The Merchant Shipping (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1221)

In force:  In accordance with reg.2.

Explanatory Memorandum

The Merchant Shipping (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification of Carbon Dioxide Emissions) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1388)

In force: On exit day

Explanatory Memorandum

The Civil Aviation (Insurance) (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1363)

In force: On exit day

Explanatory Memorandum

Operation of Air Services (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2018 (SI 2018/1392)

In force: In accordance with reg.1.

Explanatory Memorandum

Buses

Combined authority considers bus byelaws

The West Midlands Combined Authority is said to be considering a plan to use new powers for tackling anti-social behaviour on buses in the region by introducing the first set of bus byelaws in the UK.

Drones

Drones Update

Amendments to the Air Navigation Order 2016 (the ANO 2016) mean anyone with a contract for drone services should review their current contracts.

Statement to parliament: Drones: consultation response, 7 January 2019 

A statement on further action the government is taking on the use of drones. 

New police powers to tackle illegal use of drones 

New legislation will give police officers the power to land drones, search premises and seize drones and will require users to produce the proper documentation. 

Electric Vehicles

Government funded electric car chargepoints to be smart by July 2019 

The Department for Transport has announced that all government funded home chargepoints for electric vehicles must use innovative ‘smart’ technology from July 2019. 

HS2

Policy paper: HS2 development agreement 

The Department for Transport has published a development agreement that governs the relationship between the Secretary of State for Transport and HS2 Ltd. It sets out: HS2 Ltd’s role in developing, building and operating the new high speed railway and the Department for Transport’s role as sponsor and funder.

Crossrail and HS2 Chairman steps down 

The Transport Secretary and Mayor of London have accepted the resignation of Sir Terry Morgan as Chairman of Crossrail Ltd and HS2 Ltd.

Local Transport

Competition for opening local authority transport data

A funding competition has opened until 8 February 2019 focused on opening up local authority parking and traffic management data.  

Bournemouth and Preston in the running for major transport funding 

Preston and Bournemouth are to join 10 other cities shortlisted for the Transforming Cities Fund which will support the development and creation of new innovative public transport schemes developed to improve journeys and tackle congestion.

Rail Network

PR18 Final Determination

This is the latest in a series of articles we have written on the periodic review process (PR18).

Statutory consultation on proposed changes to Network Rail's network licence

An ORR consultation proposes changes to Network Rail's network licence, including restructuring the existing obligations within the network licence and introducing a number of new obligations for the start of control period 6. Consultation ends: 31 January 2019

Changes to complaints handling

The ORR has now published its response along with a draft licence modification following a consultation proposing to modify passenger and station licences to mandate membership of the ADR scheme to ensure that consumers are given certainty of the ability to obtain a free and binding means of independent redress. Consultation ends: 22 January 2019.

Consultation on proposed changes to the Risk Management Maturity Model (RM3)

An Office of Rail and Road (ORR) consultation seeking views on the proposed changes to the Risk Management Maturity Model (RM3). Consultation ends: 31 January 2019.

Rail fares cut for young passengers

A new rail card that extends half-price child rail fares to 16 and 17 year olds has been announced  by Transport Secretary Chris Grayling. The new 16 & 17 Railcard will be launched this coming September 2019.

Assessment of the delivery of Donovan Report and other train performance improvement activities in Scotland

Following the publication of the Donovan Report, the ORR and Network Rail have undertaken an Independent Reporter review focused on the progress of the Donovan Recommendations and an assessment of overall progress in addressing performance. 

Research and analysis: Western Rail Link to Heathrow: market sounding

Details the findings from a market sounding on the Western Rail Link to Heathrow which explored third party investment and contracting participation. 

Research and analysis: Southern Rail Link to Heathrow: market sounding

Market sounding exploring options to create, with private sector involvement, a Southern Rail Link to Heathrow.

Delay Repay 15 goes live for northern passengers

Northern passengers are now eligible for extended compensation on journeys delayed by 15 minutes or more, Rail Minister Andrew Jones has announced. 

Statement to Parliament: Crossrail update, 10 December 2018

The government, the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) have confirmed a financing package to deliver the final stages of the Crossrail project and open the Elizabeth line to passengers.

Research and analysis: The case for East West Rail, Western Section Phase 2

Considers the strategic and economic cases for the Western Section Phase 2 project of East West Rail. 

ORR lays out timetable recommendations to improve service for passengers 

The ORR, chaired by Stephen Glaister has published its recommendations for preventing a repeat of the May 2018 rail timetable failure, alongside a draft Final Order.

Statement to Parliament: Rail sector deal

The Department for Transport has announced a new sector deal that aims to develop new, digital capabilities to support the railway in becoming an even stronger driver of economic growth and opportunity.

Rail Review moves forward as call for evidence launches

Keith Williams, independent chair of the Rail Review is inviting evidence from a wide range of stakeholders to help inform a transformation of the rail industry to benefit passengers and support a stronger, fairer economy.

National Statistics: Rail factsheet: 2018

A 2018 rail factsheet providing an overview of key statistics on National Rail in Great Britain. 

PR18 consultation on implementing infrastructure cost charges for open access operators

An ORR consultation seeking to finalise three remaining implementation issues regarding levying infrastructure cost charges on open access services. Consultation ends: 14 January 2019.

Road Network

Government response to the creation of the major road network

Notes that it plans to go ahead with changes including: amendments to the criteria for defining the network of roads that will be eligible for MRN funding; refinement of role of Highways England in supporting this programme of work; and greater flexibility in the application of the financial thresholds.

Major Road Network and Large Local Majors programmes investment planning 

Guidance and pro-formas for developing and submitting investment proposals for local roads.

Amendments to Scottish Road Works Regulations 2018

Minor amendments are need to both the Road Works (Qualifications of Operative and Supervisors (Scotland) Regulations 2017 and the Scottish Road Works Register (Prescribed Fees) Regulations 2017. This consultation seeks views on both proposed amendments.

Consultation ends: 8 March 2019.

Scotland

Strategic Infrastructure (Transport and Utilities) Sector Plan

A Scottish Environment Protection Agency consultation proposing a sector plan for strategic transport and utilities infrastructure. Consultation ends: 15 February 2019.

Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2019-2023: Consultation Document

A Scottish Government consultation seeks comments on the Transportation Noise Action Plan (TNAP) 2019-2023 relating to areas outwith the agglomerations. Consultation ends:16 January 2019.