Lots on decarbonisation this month. Check out our recent webinar series with Greener Transport Solutions and their Manifesto. There's also a new app for EV drivers, an ambitious green target for shipping, and action to improve air quality in rail.

Aviation

Airlines and airports: supporting recovery in the UK aviation sector – inquiry

This inquiry will be examining airlines’ and airports’ recovery from the coronavirus pandemic. The sessions will also examine the effects of the Government’s policy on international travel, including the system for international travel and travel requirements such as PCR testing. The inquiry is accepting evidence until: 13 October 2021.

Cycling & Walking

National Audit Office briefing on cycling and walking

The House of Commons' All-Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking has launched an inquiry into the Department for Transport's forthcoming Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy 2. To support this inquiry, the National Audit Office has produced a briefing note covering the following themes: setting the strategic direction; programme and project management; the relationship between central and local government; and cross-government working and wider policy support.

Decarbonisation

Cutting carbon from commuting

How does business and the workplace become carbon neutral by 2050? This month, Addleshaw Goddard teamed up with Atkins to deliver a workshop on the responsibility and role of the workplace to cut carbon emissions. This was part of the online DecarboN8 conference which brought together researchers, practitioners and activists from around the world to examine what works for decarbonising transport, and how this can be delivered at the pace required to meet our obligations under the Paris Agreement.

Rising to the Challenge: What will it take to decarbonise transport?

Greener Transport Solutions (GTS), a group of leading transport professionals dedicated to developing a credible and deliverable framework for decarbonising transport, recently held a series of webinars to support the launch of the Manifesto for Decarbonising Transport. As a GTS Council member, Addleshaw Goddard has been proud to work on the development of the Manifesto and were pleased to speak on the recent webinars which focused on some of the key themes, including policy making, engagement with the public and the role of localism in ensuring a fair and just transition to net zero. Summaries and recordings of the webinars are available from the GTS website.

E10 petrol available at pumps

The Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced the introduction of E10, the new standard grade of petrol from 1 September 2021.

Research briefing: Decarbonisation: The impact of coronavirus on land transportation

A research briefing by the House of Commons Library examines the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on transport usage and the implications this has had on decarbonisation of the transport sector.

Electric Vehicles

Ministers respond to MPs' letter on supply chain for battery electric vehicles

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng told the Environmental Audit Committee that there will be a consultation in the coming months of 2021 to examine the recycling of batteries for electric vehicles.

Transport Secretary encourages UK to switch to electric vehicles

The Transport Secretary has encouraged drivers to go electric on World EV Day, as a government-backed app shows the cost benefit of making the switch.

Infrastructure

Government issues response to National Infrastructure Commission report 'Anticipate, React, Recover: Resilient Infrastructure Systems'

Following a National Infrastruction Commission report recommending a new framework to help support change across infrastructure sectors, the Government has accepted the recommendation to implement resilience standards for infrastructure operators and appropriate testing against these standards. The details of how these standards will be implemented, including the scope and timeframes, will be published following the National Resilience Strategy.

Ports

Applying to be a Freeport customs site operator

Guidance on applying to become an authorised Freeport customs site operator. HM Revenue & Customs began processing applications on 9 September 2021.

Rail Network

Government commissions action to improve rail air quality

The Government has commissioned a review to ensure air quality standards and regulations are fit for purpose on the rail network. The review follows research funded by the Department for Transport and conducted by the Rail Safety and Standards Board on six types of train, that found that air quality levels on some trains, while operating under diesel power, is poorer than desired.

ORR consultation on approach to environment and sustainable development

Two Office of Rail and Road (ORR) consultations seek responses on the proposed revised ORR Sustainable Development Policy Statement, and on changes to its Guidance on Environmental Arrangements for Railway Licence Holders. Consultations end: 9 November 2021.

Improving access to delay compensation – ORR's decision on proposals for a new licence condition

Following a consultation in May 2021, the ORR has published its decision to modify passenger licences to include a condition on delay compensation.

Road Network

Statement following meeting between the Business Secretary and fuel industry

The Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, met with senior executives from the fuel industry following recent supply chain issues at petrol forecourts in the UK. Mr Kwarteng agreed to implement a measure to temporarily exempt the industry from the Competition Act 1998 for the purpose of sharing information and optimising supply. The measure will make it easier for the industry to share information, so that it can more easily prioritise the delivery of fuel to the parts of the country and strategic locations that are most in need. The decision follows a package of measures announced by the Government, including an immediate increase in HGV testing, short term visas for HGV drivers and new skills bootcamps to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers.

Shipping

UK calls for zero global shipping emissions by 2050

Launching the London International Shipping Week on 13 September 2021, the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, announced the UK's backing for an absolute zero target for international shipping emissions by 2050. This target, which would need to be agreed through the International Maritime Organization, would be a significant increase of ambition for the sector, which is currently accountable for 3% of global emissions.

United Kingdom National Maritime Strategy for the IMO Instruments Implementation Code

The United Kingdom National Maritime Strategy for the IMO Instruments Implementation Code is designed to maintain influence and continually enhance global maritime safety and protection of the environment in partnership with the national and international maritime community. 

Space

National Space Strategy published

The UK government has published the inaugural National Space Strategy, which sets out the government’s ambitions for the UK in space, bringing together civil and defence policy for the first time. The strategy outlines 4 key pillars which will support the achievement of that ambition: unlocking growth in the space sector; collaborating internationally; growing the UK as a science and technology superpower; and developing resilient space capabilities and services.