EXPLORE THE LATEST MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TRANSPORT SECTOR

Air Quality 

Transport in Scotland: The Road to Net Zero 

In September last year, Addleshaw Goddard formed a partnership with the University of Strathclyde’s economic research unit, the Fraser of Allander Institute (FAI). The partnership supports the FAI's highly respected quarterly Scottish Business Monitor which takes a measure of the health and confidence of the Scottish economy from across the public and private sectors. In doing so it looks at business sentiment and confidence by using criteria such as business activity, investment and outlook for economic growth. We have now published Transport in Scotland: The Road to Net Zero which is the second in the series and follows the Scottish Energy Sector Report.

Consultation: Ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 

A government consultation seeking views on ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid cars and vans by 2035 or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible. Consultation ends: 29 May 2020.

Environment Bill 2019-20 (First Reading)

A Bill to make provision about targets, plans and policies for improving the natural environment; for statements and reports about environmental protection; for the Office for Environmental Protection; about waste and resource efficiency; about air quality; for the recall of products that fail to meet environmental standards; about water; about nature and biodiversity; for conservation covenants; about the regulation of chemicals; and for connected purposes.

Ofgem decarbonisation programme action plan

Ofgem has launched its Decarbonisation Action Plan that focuses on a number of areas including building a system that supports the growth of 39 million electric vehicles on UK roads by 2050.

Aerospace / Aviation

Aerospace Sector Deal: one year on

A report assessing the aerospace sector deal 12 months after it was agreed. The deal is helping industry move towards greater electrification and accelerating progress towards reduced environmental impacts. 

Aviation security for cargo from 1 January 2021

Joint Department for Transport (DfT) and Civil Aviation Authority guidance explaining the measures in place to ensure cargo can fly to and from the EU without disruption from 1 January 2021.

Bus

Boost for bus services as Prime Minister outlines new vision for local transport

In a statement to Parliament, the Prime Minister will announce £5 billion of new funding to overhaul bus and cycle links for every region outside London. 

Apply for the all electric bus town scheme

English local authorities can now bid for funding to establish Britain’s first all-electric bus town or city. The all-electric bus town scheme is part of the government’s better deal for bus users.

Driving in the EU from 1 January 2021: bus and coach drivers

Joint DfT and Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) guidance explaining what UK bus or coach drivers need to do to drive professionally in the EU from 1 January 2021.

Run international bus or coach services and tours from 1 January 2021

Joint DfT and DVSA guidance on what UK bus and coach operators need to do to provide services, tours and holidays into Europe and other countries from 1 January 2021.

Cycling & Walking

Cycling & Walking Investment Strategy: Report to Parliament

A DfT command paper reporting to Parliament on progress in delivering the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.

Health

Coronavirus - Business Briefings

We have identified examples of how the coronavirus has been impacting the airline industry as well as other sectors for illustrative purposes. As concerns over the spread of the virus grow, a second article has also been published considering what businesses can do to protect themselves.

HS2

Oakervee Review

An independent report has been published that sets out the Oakervee Review's advice to the Government on "whether and how" to proceed with High Speed 2 (HS2). 

Ports

Freeports consultation

The government has launched a consultation on establishing up to ten freeports in the UK. They aim to announce the new zones by the end of 2020 so they can be open for business in 2021. Read our Insight that looks at the benefits and policy objectives. 

Updated guide on cyber security for ports and port systems

An updated code of practice for use by those with responsibility for protecting the technical systems of port facilities and vessels docked in ports.

Rail Network

High speed north: Terms of reference for an integrated rail plan for the north and midlands

DfT guidance sets out the terms of reference for the integrated rail plan for the north and Midlands. The plan will be informed by an assessment from the National Infrastructure Commission.

Connected future - Getting back on track

A review by the National Infrastructure Commission examines the progress by government against recommendations it made in its 2016 "Connected Future" report on 5G digital mobile connectivity. The review identifies four areas where government must improve progress on rail mobile connectivity, relating to: leadership and action; access to trackside land; commercial barriers; and filling evidence gaps.

Rail industry responds to regulator's call for improvements to passenger information

The Office of Rail and Road has announced that the Rail Delivery Group will establish a Passenger Information Improvement Plan that sets out how the rail industry will make tangible and enduring network wide improvements to the provision of passenger information.

Reversing the Beeching Closures: Full Steam Ahead?

A House of Lords Library briefing provides background information on recent Government announcements relating to the restoration of rail lines closed in the latter half of the twentieth century.

Road Network

Carry out international road haulage from 1 January 2021

Joint DfT and DVSA guidance explaining what UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage from 1 January 2021.

Driving in the EU from1 January 2021: lorry and goods vehicles drivers

Joint DfT and DVSA guidance on what UK lorry and goods vehicle drivers need to do to drive professionally in the EU from 1 January 2021.

Government response to consultation on Street Manager and street work permit schemes

In response to its consultation on Street Manager and updates to permit schemes, the DfT summarises which proposals it has decided to proceed with.

Shipping

The Merchant Shipping (Technical Requirements for Inland Waterway Vessels) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/58)

These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Technical Requirements for Inland Waterway Vessels) Regulations 2010 (S.I. 2010/1075) to reflect amendments made to Annex II to European Directive 2016/1629 laying down technical requirements for inland waterway vessels. In force: 25th February 2020

Explanatory Memorandum

The Merchant Shipping (Ship-to-Ship Transfers) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/94)

These Regulations govern transfers consisting wholly or mainly of oil between ships, known as ship-to-ship transfers. The two types of ship-to-ship transfer which are governed within the Regulations are cargo transfers and bunkering operations. ln force: 26 February 2020

Explanatory Memorandum