Here is your monthly round-up of the key transport developments in October 2021

Autumn Budget

Autumn Budget and Spending Review 2021

A Treasury publication sets out the Autumn 2021 Budget in full. It includes a commitment of £6.1 billion to support the policies and strategy set out in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
HM Treasury, 27 October 2021

Aviation

Airports Slot Allocation (Alleviation of Usage Requirements) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1200)

The instrument amends the 80:20 airport slot usage rule to cover the  “Winter 2021” season as a result of the persistent reduction in air traffic resulting from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responses to consultation on aviation tax reform

A Treasury publication outlines the responses to its consultation on reforms to air passenger duty (APD). The government has decided to proceed with the introduction of a new reduced domestic band and will implement the reforms via the Finance Bill 2022 from 1 April 2023. 
HM Treasury, 27 October 2021

Guidance: Electronic conspicuity specifications: enabling interoperability between airspace users

The Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority will convene a task force to work with industry to develop and publish electronic conspicuity (EC) specifications to enable interoperability between airspace users.
Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority, 26 October 2021

Transport Scotland consultation on aviation strategy

A Transport Scotland consultation seeks responses on how to achieve its vision for aviation. It covers: the transition to low and zero emission aviation, Scotland's international connectivity, Scotland's domestic connectivity, and air freight. Consultation ends: 21 January 2022.
Scottish Government, 18 October 2021
Scots Law

Decarbonisation

The Road to Net Zero: On Track?

We have published The Road to Net Zero – On Track? which is an update to the first Road to Net Zero report we published in January 2020. We look closely at the progress made over the last 18 months, during a very challenging period for everyone, and the distinct shift towards a more collaborative cross-sector approach towards reaching stretching carbon-zero targets. As we move into November, with Glasgow hosting COP26, all eyes will be on Scotland. We have highlighted some of the really positive, innovative projects our Scottish clients have been delivering, that lead the way in carbon reduction on a global scale.

Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicle charging strategy for Wales: action plan

A document setting out how the Welsh Government intends to implement its electric vehicle charging strategy including with reference to total charging provision, quality outcomes, and localised benefits.
Welsh Government, 26 October 2021

Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 regulatory report

This report sets out the work the government has undertaken under Part 2 of the AEVA, relating to charging of electric vehicles, plus future work planned.
Department for Transport & Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, 19 October 2021

Logistics

Road Freight Inquiry: Call for Evidence

The Transport Committee is interested in receiving written evidence that addresses road freight. The Committee's objectives are to explore the immediate and systemic challenges to the effective operation of the road freight supply chain and to assess the effectiveness of the Government’s policies to meet them. Consultation ends: 19 November 2021.
UK Parliament, 27 October 2021

Rail Network

Guidance published on 'Restoring Your Railway Fund'

A Department for Transport guidance document regarding the £500 million government pledge to deliver its manifesto commitment and start reopening lines and stations. The focus now is on realising these schemes in order to regenerate local economies and improve access to jobs, homes and education. Funding is split into three categories: the ideas fund; advanced proposals; and proposals for new stations and the restoration of old station sites. 
Department for Transport, 27 October 2021

Manchester Recovery Task Force Public Consultation: Timetabling of rail services in the Manchester area: Consultation Response Document

Following analysis of the options to improve train performance in the Manchester area by altering the north of England rail timetable, and informed by the consultation feedback and further detailed work, the Manchester Recovery Task Force recommends that Option B+, an enhanced variation of Option B that was presented in the consultation, will form the basis of a new timetable structure. 
Manchester Recovery Task Force, Department for Transport, 12 October 2021

Ports

HMRC statement on the designation of Freeport tax sites

An HMRC publication outlines to freeports, and others with an interest in the freeport tax site designation process, on the Government's process to assess information provided on tax sites and to designate specific freeport tax sites.
HMRC, 27 October 2021

Shipping

The Merchant Shipping (Prevention of Air Pollution from Ships) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 (SI 2021/1108)

This instrument implements changes that have been made to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (“MARPOL”) which are designed to control sulphur oxide (“SOx”) and nitrogen oxide (“NOx”) emissions from ships. In force: 22 October 2021.
Explanatory Memorandum

Consultation Report: Consultation on the draft Merchant Shipping (Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments) Regulations 2021

The Government will finalise the Regulations with a view to bringing them into force in summer 2022.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 25 October 2021

Consultation Report: Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations 1988

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency publication sets out the responses to its consultation on the proposed Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Entry into Enclosed Spaces) Regulations 2021, which would replace the Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations 1988, to extend to fishing vessels and incorporate safety of life at sea amendments.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency, 12 October 2021 

Space

Scottish Space Strategy launched

The Scottish Space Strategy sets out plans to develop a network of satellite launch sites, pursue green technologies and build on existing strengths in data analysis and research.
Scottish Government, 20 October 2021
Scots Law

Call for evidence to inform orbital liability and insurance policy

A call for evidence seeks views on orbital liability limits and alternatives to traditional third-party liability insurance. Consultation ends: 3 December 2021.
UK Space Agency, 22 October 2021

Transport Projects

Forthcoming change: interim carbon values for scheme appraisal

Updated Department for Transport interim guidance as part of the TAG environmental impact appraisal, on forthcoming changes to carbon values, updated to reflect latest BEIS carbon values published in September 2021. An updated version of appraisal software TUBA will be made available as soon as possible. All relevant workbook and guidance updates will become definitive in November 2021. TAG users are advised to adopt the latest carbon values in all relevant analysis as soon as possible.
Department for Transport, 11 October 2021