DfT publishes further technical consultation on Jet Zero strategy

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published a further consultation on new evidence and updated analysis described in the Jet zero: further technical consultation document and accompanying Jet zero: modelling framework. The Jet Zero strategy details DfT's proposed approach to achieving net zero aviation by 2050. Consultation ends: 25 April 2022.

Mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuels in the UK: Consultation responses

The Department for Transport has published a document summarising the responses to its consultation proposing a UK sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate. The SAF mandate would require jet fuel suppliers to blend an increasing proportion of SAF into aviation fuel from 2025. Most respondents agreed with the introduction of a UK SAF mandate. 

Ending the sale of new, non-zero emission buses and calls for evidence on coaches and minibuses

In response to the outcome of its consultation "Ending the sale of new diesel buses", the Government has now published a new consultation and call for evidence on "Ending the sale of new, non-zero emission buses, coaches and minibuses", which features an overview of responses received to this initial consultation and sets out the Government's next steps for progressing plans to end the sale of new, non-zero emission buses. Consultation ends: 21 May 2022.

Financial support for bus and light rail services

The Department for Transport has announced that the Government will provide over £150 million, as a final COVID-19 support package, to help local transport authorities and operators across England run services.

UK on track to reach 4,000 zero emission bus pledge with £200 million boost

The Department for Transport has announced that nearly 1,000 more zero-emission buses are to be funded in towns and cities across England. Twelve areas will receive grants from the multimillion-pound package to deliver electric or hydrogen powered buses, as well as charging or fuelling infrastructure, to their region, bringing the total funded in England to 2000. A further 600 zero-emission buses have been funded in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

UK and Turkey agree clean transport deal worth £1.7bn

UK Export Finance (UKEF) has guaranteed a €2.1bn loan to fund construction of a 503km high speed electric railway line in Turkey. It is the UK government’s biggest ever sustainable, civil infrastructure deal. Contracts are set to be awarded to UK rail suppliers as a condition of UK support. 

UK electric vehicle infrastructure strategy

The Department for Transport (DfT) has published its vision and action plan for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the UK, ahead of the phase out dates. DfT intends to to end the sale of new petrol and diesel petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and ensure that all new cars and vans to be fully zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035.

Project launched to support EV chargepoint infrastructure rollout

The Geospatial Commission has launched a discovery project to explore how location data can be better used to support planning and delivery of electric vehicle (EV) charge points by local authorities.

Businesses to benefit from extension to plug-in van and truck grants

The Department for Transport has announced an extension to the plug-in van and truck grants as part of the Government's drive to decarbonise transport. The two-year extension comes ahead of 2030 phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans as part of net zero commitment, and means that drivers with standard licences can continue driving electric goods vans at a higher weight limit.

Green Freeports prospectus published

A guide has been published for bidders who want to establish a Green Freeport in Scotland. The joint prospectus, published in partnership by the Scottish and UK Governments, underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to Fair Work First criteria, including payment of the real Living Wage, and invites bidders to reflect that in setting out their fair work strategies. 

Investment Recovery Charge for Phase One of HS2: Consultation on proposals and invitation to comment

An Office of Rail and Road (ORR) consultation seeks views on whether it should permit the infrastructure manager of Phase One of High Speed 2 (HS2 Phase One) to levy an Investment Recovery Charge (IRC) on future rail users of the infrastructure, pursuant to para.3 of Sch.3 to the Railways (Access, Management and Licensing of Railway Undertakings) Regulations 2016. It is the ORR's view that the legal requirement is satisfied to permit the inclusion of an IRC in any future charging framework for HS2 Phase One. Consultation ends: 13 May 2022.

Automotive Roadmap sets out expansion to electric vehicle infrastructure

The government has unveiled its Automotive Roadmap, alongside new plans for expanding the numbers of electric vehicle (EV) charge points. The EV Infrastructure Strategy sets out how the UK will reach 300,000 EV charge points by 2030, and will see new legal requirements to allow EV drivers to pay by contactless, compare charging prices and find nearby charge points via apps.

The Automotive Roadmap is backed by £1.6 billion of investment, and sets out joint government and industry commitments to decarbonise road transport, enable the automotive sector transition to zero emission vehicles and support the UK’s energy security by reducing our demand for petrol and diesel.

Regulations for bulk carrier safety

Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) guidance sets out draft regulations to implement international safety requirements for bulk carriers together with a draft explanatory memorandum. The draft regulations will implement safety requirements for bulk carriers in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Ch.XII including: requirements for bulk carriers of double-side skin construction constructed on or after 1 July 2006; damage stability and structural strength requirements; standards for owner's inspection and maintenance of bulk carrier hatch covers; and standards and criteria for side structures of bulk carriers of single-side skin construction.

Consultation outcome: Draft Merchant Shipping (nuclear ships) Regulations

The Government does not intend to significantly amend the prepared draft Merchant Shipping (Nuclear Ships) Regulations 2021, which will transpose the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS) Chapter VIII into UK law. Regulations are expected to be in force by autumn 2022.

Refresh to the National Shipbuilding Strategy

A refreshed strategy for a globally successful, innovative and sustainable shipbuilding enterprise. 

Law of the sea in 21st century: Lords Committee outlines actions for Government

The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee has published its report looking at the effective operation of the Law of the Sea in the modern era; entitled UNCLOS: The law of the sea in the 21st century.