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

Airlines

Queen's speech clears special administration regime for take-off

Measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech included a special administration regime for airlines which, amongst other things, enables the fleet of the insolvent airline to be used to repatriate customers. 

Brexit

ATOL protection scheme

A House of Commons Library briefing paper summarising the impact on ATOL of a "no deal" Brexit. 

Parliament UK, 5 November 2019

Drones

Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service goes live

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Service is now live.

Registration on a new service is mandatory from 30 November 2019 for the following:

• Anyone responsible for a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg needs to register as an operator.  
• Anyone flying a drone or unmanned aircraft (including model aircraft) weighing between 250g and 20kg must take and pass an online education package. 

Civil Aviation Authority, 5 November 2019

A new drone recovery service launches

The CAA has launched Drones Reunited, a platform that helps recover lost drones.

Civil Aviation Authority, 5 November 2019

Election

Party manifestos consider future of transport 

In the run up to the election, the main political parties have set out their positions for the future of transport. The Conservative manifesto looks at connecting cities, particularly in the North and Midlands, with plans to invest in bus services and roads. In relation to HS2 they have said they will consider the findings of the Oakervee review before making a decision. The Labour Party manifesto outlines plans to build a sustainable, affordable, accessible and integrated transport system. They wish to extend high-speed rail networks nationwide by completing the full HS2 route to Scotland, taking account of the environmental impacts of different route options. Other plans focus on delivering Crossrail for the North, cutting emissions and bringing rail and bus networks into public ownership. The Liberal Democrats manifesto outlines plans to invest in public transport, buses, trams and railways, placing a higher priority on walking and cycling. They wish to accelerate the transition to ultra-low-emission transport through taxation, subsidy and regulation. 

Roads

Improving car safety within the EU

The Council of the European Union has adopted a regulation on the general safety of motor vehicles and the protection of vehicle occupants and vulnerable road users in a bid to significantly reduce the number of road casualties. 

European Council, 8 November 2019

Scotland

Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 (Granted Royal Assent)

An Act of the Scottish Parliament to enable the provision of low emission zones; to make provision for and in connection with the powers of local transport authorities in connection with the operation of public transport in their areas; to make provision about arrangements under which persons may be entitled to travel on local bus and other transport services; to inhibit the parking of vehicles on pavements and prohibit double parking; to make provision in connection with the status of the office of the Scottish Road Works Commissioner, the Commissioner’s functions and the regulation of road works; to make provision in connection with regional Transport Partnerships and to regulate the number of members on the British Waterways Board. The Bill received Royal Assent on 15 November 2019. 

Scottish Parliament, 15 November 2019

Shipping

Roll-on/Roll-off Ships - Guidance for the Stowage and Securing of Vehicles

Guidance providing information on safe procedures to be followed during Roll-on/Roll-off operations to reduce the risks to persons and ships.

Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 4 November 2019

IMO moves forward to meet ship emission reduction targets

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued a press release providing an update on its progress in pushing forward with work to help achieve the targets set out in its strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships which aims, as a matter of urgency, to decarbonise international shipping.

IMO, 15 November 2019

Proposed prolongation of the Consortia Block Exemption Regulation consultation

A European Commission consultation proposes to prolong the existing block exemption of liner shipping consortia from the application of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Consultation ends: 3 January 2020.

European Commission, 20 November 2019

Technology

Taxi and Private Hire Car Licensing - Impact of Modern Technology

A summary of consultation responses relating to the concerns raised about the impact of modern technology on the licensing regime for taxis and private hire cars as a result of the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015. The information gathered through the consultation process will be considered along with other available evidence to help inform future policy.

Scottish Government, 14 November 2019